By MELISSA WALKER

Staff Writer

When students complain about paying for college, they are not just talking about tuition.

Joseph Thomas, vice president of financial services, said attending college includes expenses such as food, housing, clothing, transportation, possibly utilities and other miscellaneous non-tuition needs.

"The $46 tuition increase for the fall is not what is hurting the students financially," Thomas said.

Thomas said there are many ways to provide the means necessary to covers these expenses.

Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, low-interest loans, parental contribution and part-time and full-time income, Thomas said, can all be sources to pay for tuition.

The amount of how much to borrow, Thomas said, is up to the student and his or her family.

"Some students borrow at the maximum level versus the minimum level," Thomas said.

Thomas said the Tuition Opportunity Program for Students has significantly changed Louisiana schools.

"TOPS is an invaluable opportunity for students to attend college wherever they choose," Thomas said.

Thomas said before TOPS, students were likely to attend the closest university to their home, if at all.

Amber Richardson, a senior interior design major, said her life would have been different if she had not had financial assistance.

"I probably wouldn't be here, or it would have taken me a lot longer, if I did not have TOPS or a Pell grant," Richardson said.

Richardson said state and federally funded programs provide students with more options that end in attending college.

"TOPS opens the door and gives students opportunities. Students appreciate it, unless they don't care about their future," Richardson said.

Despite Richardson's salary, as an attempt to cover living expenses federally funded scholarships did not cover, Richardson said she took out a loan last year.

"I don't like owing money, but it's worth it so I can worry about school instead of money," Richardson said.