Understanding how much you need to pay for college is important when evaluating student loans.

That includes:

Fees and tuition

If you're staying on campus, room and board are included.

Books, supplies, and office equipment

Computer equipment and other equipment

Borrow too little, and you may face financial difficulties when it comes to paying for the next semester. But borrow too much, and you may end up financially strained when it comes to repaying your loans.Setting a realistic budget for college can help you figure out how much you may need to borrow.