It’s the day that every high school student waits for. After four years of eight classes a day, the school lunches and standardized testing, on May 20 we get to walk across the stage in our cap and gown and receive our diploma.

Oh – speaking of that fancy cap and gown, those things aren’t cheap. Oh – and those four years? Well, this last one isn’t so cheap either. Being a senior is great, don’t get me wrong. The cost of being a senior, however, is a little steep.

“I have to pay for gas money and food,” said senior Mariah Phister, who also has cheerleading on her plate. “I had to pay a lot of money because we had to pay for cheer shoes, sweats, a sweatshirt and the bodysuit.”

Sports and activities add up during senior year, but the whole graduation process is on an entirely new level. First of all you need the cap and gown (which is at least $40), then you need a venue for a graduation party, food, decorations, and the list goes on. If you’re lucky, though, you’ll get money at the party! This, however, goes straight to college expenses.

Textbooks, application fees, scholarship fees, college visits – everything starts adding up.

“You don’t really know how much you’re going to spend going into senior year,” said senior Braden Schiller. “Expenses will start to add up as far as college classes and books, and you’re going to possibly want a different mode of transportation when you’re going to college.”

Fun fact – it costs $40 to even apply to the University of Wyoming, which is right in our own state, and $100 to even have access to the living contract (which you’re required to sign your first year of school.) UW estimates that in-state residents will pay $15,186 for school – per year. A tip from a senior – keep that Hathaway in mind.

A senior can spend $5,000-$10,000 during the year, according to a study conducted by Newark New Jersey Star Ledger. Yikes.

Don’t worry, though. Students at Powell High School can take college classes for free at Northwest Community College, and the school pays for the college textbooks. It’s a good idea to take as many college credit classes as possible while in high school. (Some of my favorite and easiest classes have been worth college credit.)

Being a senior is expensive, but it’s also fun if you let it be. It’s a great year to try new things and get out of your comfort zone; remember to save up and have a great year.