When you're evaluating schools, you need to know the total cost of attendance to get the true picture. Start by adding up your anticipated expenses for:

• Tuition and fees
• Room and board
• Books and supplies - Ask your school for an estimate of what these generally cost
• Transportation - Include day-to-day travel to and from school, holiday visits home, and getting around town
• Miscellaneous expenses - Try to imagine everything you'll need to spend money on, from furnishing your dorm room to doing laundry, getting your hair cut to going out for pizza and a movie

Check out our In-School Budget Calculator
to determine your in-school costs

Even if you've already picked a favorite, it's a good idea to identify the costs associated with each school to which you've submitted an application. Begin by analyzing and comparing the financial aid packages you received for each college. Figure out where there are gaps in the cost of attendance and the money available, then decide how you're going to fill them.

TIP: Work-study programs or part-time jobs are great sources of income while attending school.

But be realistic about how many hours you can work without sacrificing study time. Careful time management can help you find the right balance between schoolwork and outside work.