Knowing where your money is going, many experts say, is the first step toward financial freedom.

However, students often overlook all the fees on their U-Bills because of all the charges that bog the bills down in the first place.

On June 20, the Iowa Board of Regents passed a proposed energy and environmental surcharge that increased tuition in each of Iowa’s public universities by $100 per semester.

The surcharge, which is temporary, was created to help supplement rising energy costs and to provide improvements on campus as state appropriation dollars are falling short.

Its implementation created a stir among students earlier in the semester.

“This charge was a way to make the budget work,” said Kathleen Jones, assistant vice president for enrollment and registrar. “Which is why the Board of Regents focused their needs on energy and environment.”

As tuition skyrockets and loans get even heftier for college students, many are looking to find the root of the increase.

Whatever its cause, it’s a trend many agree is here to stay for a long time.

“I don’t blame the Regents or university for charging us,” said Matthew Stemper, senior in electrical engineering. “I blame the state Legislature for not making higher education a priority.”

Although fees have been a part of ISU tuition since 1986, the surcharge is unique in that it is not actually tuition- meaning that it will not be covered by some scholarships and grants, much to the chagrin of students. Many are wondering what fees will be tacked on down the road.

Some students, like Joshua Lichti, junior in computer engineering, are scratching their heads as to how their U-Bill adds up.

“I really don’t pay much attention to it,” Lichti said. “I don’t know all the little charges and what they do, I just look at the total.”

Although there is some criticism, Jones said there has been a lot more curiosity concerning the surcharge than anything else.

“This surprised a lot of people. Here at the office of the registrar, we’ve gotten a lot of inquiries by parents and students who were wondering what it was,” Jones said.

As the cost on students’ U-Bills will no doubt rise in the coming years, knowing what you’re paying for will help keep you informed – even if it’s a reality many don’t like to face.

“It’s kind of annoying, but it’s something you have to deal with,” Stemper said.

Where is all the money going from this $100 surcharge?

$4.33 million – Estimated for Iowa State

$2.96 million – To

supplement increasing fuel and utility costs

$606,000 – For opening new buildings

$500,000 – New library acquisitions

$170,000 – To help cover compensation increases

mandated for Merit staff

Comparing fees (Based on tuition for an undergraduate LAS student taking 12 credit hours)

Iowa State

Activity, services and building fee – $184.08

Health facility fee – $8

Health fee – $89

Computer fee, standard – $106

Energy and environment

surcharge – $100

Total: $487.08

University of Iowa

Computer fee – $137.50

Student activities fee and

services fee – $56.50

Student union fee – $48

Building fee – $59.50

Career services fee – $6

Arts and cultural events fee – $10

Health fees – $95

Energy and environment

surcharge – $100

Total: $512.50

University of Northern Iowa

Computer fee – $89

Health fees – $92.50

Student services fee – $115.50

Building fee – $116

Energy and environment

surcharge – $100

Total: $513

Avoiding more surcharges – Energy saving tips for college

Turn off your lights whenever you leave a room. (Turning an incandescent light on and off does not waste more power, but you can leave a fluorescent light on if you’ll be turning it back on within 15 minutes.)

“Sleep is good.” Hibernate or shut down your computer. A desktop left on all day, every day will use almost $10 of energy (city of Ames electric services winter rate) in a month.

Use less hot water by taking shorter showers.

Coordinate with your roommates to avoid bringing unneeded refrigerators. Set the refrigerator temperature between 36 and 42 degrees.

Wash your clothes on the cold water (“bright colors”) setting.

Beware of vampires. “Vampire” devices draw power even when they are not used. These include anything with an adapter or

charger- pretty much anything other than lights.

Take advantage of natural light. Open the shades during the day for lighting and heating your room and close them at night to keep heat in.