I also think the $18-19k is high. For my kids’ public, on-campus is more in the $12-13k range. And off-campus can vary WIDELY!
apartments:
- sexy, new apartment with own bedroom and bath across from campus? $1,500/month
- older apartment with sharing bus ride away? $500/month
- and everything in-between.
food: - cook in, pack lunches, grocery shopping?
- eat out, order out?
also, will he have a car after 1st year? Those fees can add up significantly per month if in an urban area.