College Costs

The total cost of college includes tuition and fees, room and board, books, transportation, and other expenses. These costs may seem very high, but remember that financial aid is available to help you and your family. Most people require some form of financial assistance, whether through need-based grants, loans, scholarships or work-study programs. 

Here’s a snapshot of average college costs (annual increases average 2%-4%):

Two-Year Public*

• Resident $3,282
• Commuter $13,126

Four-Year Public

• In-State $18,014
• Out-of-state $27,791

Four-Year Private

• $35,374

 

* Commuter is based on in-state students not living with their parents.

This may be sticker shock, but there is good news:

• About 60% of all college students receive grant aid. In 2009-10, estimated aid in the form of grants and tax benefits averaged $3,000 per student at two year public colleges, $5,400 at four-year public colleges, and $14,400 at private four-year colleges.

• 31% of all students attend two-year colleges. The average two-year public college student receives grant aid that reduces the average tuition to less than $400.

• About 53% of students attending four-year colleges pay less than $9,000 for tuition and fees per year.

 

 

Source: Annual Survey of Colleges, The College Board