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<p>However, it appears that many parents are much more willing to subsidize the at-home commuter student’s cost of food, utilities, and transportation than write a check for the dorm and meal plan. While colleges that list commuter budgets typically show a difference of about $7,000 to $8,000 between the commuter budget and the dorm budget, many students posting here find the difference to be about $12,000 due to the greater parental subsidy for being an at-home commuter.</p>
<p>It is the case that the cost of an at-home commuter student can vary significantly, based on the family situation. Distance from the school and whether the student needs to drive a car are significant variables in the transportation costs. Having to have an extra car, car insurance, maintenance, and fuel for the student, plus any parking and toll expenses, can be significantly more expensive than if the student can get to school a cheaper way. Of course, a long distance commute, particularly driving a car, is likely to have a negative effect on the student both academically and socially, compared to living on-campus or near-campus.</p>