High School Seniors: An Overview of the Financial Expectations

Looking Forward to College, Parents Often Overlook the Expense Associated High School

For parents of high school seniors, the expected costs associated with college are frightening. Unfortunately, for many parents, the costs associated with high school are often overlooked and, as a result, tap into the college savings. To ensure a smooth transition through the senior year in high school, parents should be aware of the many expenses associated with moving through the last year of mandatory education.

By the time most high school students reach their senior year, social networks have developed. Within these networks, many high school seniors will participate in extra curricular activities including sports, spirit teams, Student Council, National Honor Society and even debate clubs. Costs associated with these activities vary from less to $100 to costs well over $500, depending on the program. The costs are attributed to required uniforms, travel expenses, supplies and membership dues.

In addition to extra curricular club memberships, high school seniors will often want to engage in the traditional purchase of senior portraits and purchase of a senior class ring. Senior portraits, from a well qualified studio, depending on package size, can vary in cost but generally are no less than $250.00 per package. Additionally, senior high school rings begin in price ranges generally at no less than $100.00, also depending on the quality and style of ring chosen.

For high school seniors excelling in academics and sports, the parent may often face the cost of purchasing what is known as the "Letterman's Jacket". Traditionally, the jacket is made of fine quality material, in school colors, and provides various patches and insignia representing the clubs and activities the high school student may be involved in. High school letterman jackets generally cost no less than $175 and may increase, in price, based on the level of patchwork needed.