The price of attending a college found in Google searches and on college and university websites can often be deceiving.
Understanding the total cost of college can be tricky, so here are some important things to know when looking at, applying to, and paying for college.
According to the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), college tuition does not typically account for all college expenses.
Costs like room and board (which covers a dorm room and meal plan), books, fees, and other expenses are often not included in tuition, which only covers the cost of studying at the university. Each school has the full price broken down into categories on their website.
According to U.S. News and World Report, the average cost of tuition varies between types of schools. For the 2020-21 academic year, the average cost of a private school tuition is $35,087, the average cost for public out-of-state tuition is $21,184, and the average cost of public in-state tuition is $9,687.
According to U.S. News and World Report, tuition is “the amount of money required for instruction”. This will cover the cost of courses and is often charged per credit hour. Fees are broader and vary for different institutions; this is the amount required to “enroll in and attend classes.” There are also additional costs such as fees for living on campus or participating in activities.
Some top fees might surprise you. This list, compiled by US News and World Report, is not all-inclusive.
Schools charge different fees and may call them by different names.
According to the Nationwide insurance company, public schools charge different amounts for in-state and out-of-state tuition.
Typically, those living in the state where the college is located pay in-state tuition for their respective state schools, and those who want to attend a public university in a state that differs from their residency pay more for out-of-state tuition.
Private schools typically charge the same amount to students regardless of residency. School residency requirements, programs, and other circumstances can affect whether your child qualifies for in-state tuition.
For example, if your child maintains certain high grades, they might be entitled to in-state tuition rates while attending an out-of-state school.
There are some regional programs that allow residents of one state to attend college in another state for close to the same tuition as other in-state students.
The four major exchanges are:
There are some restrictions on these out-of-state reciprocity programs, and some states do not participate in any program, so it’s advisable to check on the deatils.
Move.org has released data on tuition costs by state. Some of the most expensive places to attend college include New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Washington D.C., Connecticut, and Indiana.
Some of the most affordable states in which to attend college include Wyoming, New Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, and Arizona.
Here are examples of tuition in some states:
Rhode Island
In-state average: $33,230
Out-of-state average: $36,601
Net cost average: $28,503
Vermont
In-state average: $30,858
Out-of-state average: $34,925
Net cost average: $23,915
Massachusetts
In-state average: $29,564
Out-of-state average: $31,995
Net cost average: $24,523
Washington, DC
In-state average: $27,531
Out-of-state average: $28,075
Net cost average: $25,559
Pennsylvania
In-state average: $23,618
Out-of-state average:$26,088
Net cost average: $21,646
Wyoming
In-state average: $3,468
Out-of-state average: $8,927
Net cost average: $8,065
New Mexico
In-state average: $6,160
Out-of-state average: $9,978
Net cost average: $9,966
North Dakota
In-state average: $7,753
Out-of-state average: $9,845
Net cost average: $11,371
Montana
In-state average: $7,827
Out-of-state average: $13,724
Net cost average: $11,302
Mississippi
In-state average: $8,547
Out-of-state average: $10,814
Net cost average: $10,827
Procon outlines the tuition and fees rates for top-ranked schools in the United States:
Columbia University (private): $59,430 per year
University of Chicago (private): $57,006 per year
University of Southern California (private): $56,225 per year
Duke University (private): $55,960 per year
Brown University (private): $55,656 per year
Boston College (private): $55,464 per year
University of Michigan (public): $49,350 per year out-of-state, $15,262 per year in-state
University of Virginia (public): $48,891 per year out-of-state, $17,350 per year in-state
University of California, Berkeley (public): $43,232 per year out-of-state, $14,240 per year in-state
The Edmit blog outlines when a student pays tuition. Tuition is typically listed as the cost for an entire academic year. However, each school is different. Most schools have various plans for when tuition and fees are due, often at the beginning of the semester or quarter.
Some schools give students the opportunity to break tuition payments into installments.
You and your child should discuss your payment plan with a representative from your child’s school if you are uncertain about when and how you can pay.
Most families are not responsible for the entire cost of tuition and fees because the cost is offset by financial aid including scholarships and loans.
Use the net price calculator to get information about the total out-of-pocket cost of college.
Understanding tuition and how it factors into the entire cost of college can help you and your child financially plan for their higher education.
CONNECT WITH OTHER PARENTS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT
HOW TO PAY FOR COLLEGE
JOIN ONE OF OUR FACEBOOK GROUPS:
This story was first published in our Paying for College 101 (PFC101) Facebook community. It’s been edited for clarity and
A version of this story was first published in our Paying for College 101 Facebook community and on U3k4college.com. It’s
This story was first shared in our Paying for College 101 Facebook community. It’s been edited for clarity and flow.
At Road2College you’ll find everything you need to make the admissions and paying for college process less stressful and more transparent.
Explore College Insights™ — your source for finding affordable colleges and merit scholarships.
Get coaching on admissions and college financing.
Join Road2College where parents and experts work together to inform and inspire college-bound families.
By Grade:
By Stage in the Process:
Ad Policy Disclaimer: Product name, logo, brands, and other trademarks featured or referred to within Road2College are the property of their respective trademark holders. Information obtained via Road2College™ is for educational purposes only. Please consult a licensed financial professional before making any financial decisions. This site may be compensated through third party advertisers. This site is not endorsed or affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education. By visiting Road2College’s site, you accept and agree to be bound by Road2College’s Terms of Use.
