The Cost Benefits of Attending College Locally

The Nationalist, Saturday January 10th, 2009
A study recently compiled by the Business Department of Tipperary Institute (TI) has identified significant differences in the average cost of student living between students attending college locally and those attending college away from home. The study was carried out in response to the increasing financial pressure faced by Tipperary families with prospective third level students in the current economic climate.
Tipperary Institute compared a recent national study by Bank of Ireland Student Banking on the cost of student living with the findings of its own study of the cost benefits of Tipperary students attending TI. The results speak for themselves.
As can be seen from the table, a significant average monthly saving of €478 is achieved when Tipperary students attend TI.  But according to Dr. Rebecca Purcell, Business Department; “Costs are not the only concern for parents and students when choosing a college. Quality of education and a positive student experience are important also”.

 

	Average Student Expenses Living at Home	Average Student Expenses Living Away
Accommodation Cost	€25.00	€370.00
Socialising	€141.88	€162.00
Groceries	€53.75	€119.00
Travel	€128.75	€57.00
Clothes	€84.00	€84.00
Mobile	€28.13	€42.00
Course Material	€33.13	€56.00
Day to Day	€94.50	€102.00
Bills	€43.75	€84.00
Sport/ gym	€4.38	€39.00
Total Average Cost per Month	€637.25	€1,115.00

 

Over the last ten years, TI has focussed on developing an extensive suite of modern degree courses meeting current and future industry demands and ensuring the all-important rewarding learning experience. All of these courses meet the highest national standards of third level education as laid down by the Higher Education and Training Awards Council of Ireland (HETAC).

(Having recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, Tipperary Institute continues to go from strength to strength and in 2008 recorded its highest ever intake of first year students).