costs are an often overlooked but sometimes very important part of the costs to consider when planning a college budget. If you take out student loans to cover some or all of the cost of college, include expected transportation costs in your loan application. You also can obtain special student auto loans from some banks and car manufacturers. For an idea of how important transportation costs will be to you, consider your specific situation and calculate what part of the cost of college you or your family will be able to cover without loans.

Expected Family Contribution

When you fill out a Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA), you will compute Expected Family Contribution (EFC). This is the amount of money the government expects your family to be able to contribute to your education. If you have to take out a student loan, its amount will be the difference between the amount of money you have and your EFC.

All Costs

When applying for student loans, the first task after calculating your EFC is to contact your college or visit its website for information on estimated costs. They include tuition as well as room and board, but you also have to pay for books and supplies and possibly for transportation.

Transportation Costs

If you do not plan to live on your college's campus, or if you require autonomous transportation for your classes, include the cost of a car -- along with all its attendant expenses, such as insurance -- in your student loan application. If your school verifies your estimated transportation costs as legitimate, student loan companies  will help you with them.

Student Car Loan

You may be able to obtain a transportation-specific student loan directly from a car manufacturer as well as from banks and student loan organizations. Speak with your school's staff and your loan officer for more information, and investigate the student options provided by the manufacturer of your car of choice.