The application/test prep/test-taking/travel costs aren’t really hidden. They are just additional. Costs that some families forget to consider are things like: health insurance (if theirs doesnt cover or if they have a state funded insurance program like medicaid and are going out of state), lab fees, student activity fees (those are nebulous, sometimes cover access to the student recreation center, etc) sports tickets (dont think they are always free for students), greek membership, parking fees if you have a car, car maintenance and fuel, technology fees (some schools) , and the standard clothing/ social activities allowance, travel expenses, etc. Some books are now rented on line, making it harder to get a used hard copy for a low cost. These are just a few.
@Marian We don’t have employer insurance. We pay for a family plan ourselves and get no subsidies, which is why we went to the HMO. The cost to change to a PPO will be almost the same amount as the required plan from the school.