The total cost of a high-quality, four-year degree at UC Davis is estimated at about $70,000 -- a significant amount. Whether parents pick up the tab or split expenses with their students, communication on the subject is crucial.

"The most important thing is to be clear, so both students and parents understand what the expectations are, who is going to pay for what and how that's going to be covered," said Lora Jo Bossio, director of Financial Aid and interim registrar.

About 65 percent of UC Davis students rely on financial aid for all or part of their expenses.

Last year, Student Affairs Research and Information at UC Davis conducted a survey directed at undergraduates without financial aid to learn more about they and their parents divide expenses. Almost 4,000 students responded.

According to that survey, 61 percent of students without financial aid rely on their parents' resources for 90 percent or more of their expenses.

Students whose parents were paying between 10 and 90 percent of their expenses were asked what advice they had for future students on how to divide expenses. Most recommended that each pay for specific categories of expenses. For example, parents pay for tuition and students for living expenses.

"Ask for your parents to help out with tuition and rent," one student responded. "Since board, entertainment and other living expenses fluctuate, you're forced to spend wisely if you pay for those yourself."

Bossio notes that some expenses, like registration fees, are fixed. But there are many ways to save money on other expenses. Students may opt, for example, to live with roommates, buy used books, or cook more meals at home.

The student survey indicated that parents often expect students to pay for discretionary spending -- another area that Bossio said can be trimmed. A student may decide a cell phone or satellite television is not a necessity. Using a computer lab is an alternative to having a home computer.

Research shows that the process of applying for financial aid requires a certain amount of openness between students and parents regarding finances and expenses. Students are advised to maintain that pragmatic approach when it comes to planning their financial future, Bossio said.

The campus now offers a way for students with loans to track their estimated debt. The Loan Indebtedness Web Site can help give students a clearer picture of the monthly payments they will face after graduation.