Understanding College Tuition and Fees

By Hallie Underwood

Understanding College Tuition and Fees

By Hallie Underwood

Published February 9, 2021

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.

What Is Tuition and What Does Tuition Cover?

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.

What Is the Difference Between Tuition and Fees?

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.

Freshmen fees are paid by incoming students to cover first-year supports.
Orientation fees are separate from freshman fees and charged during registration.
Campus fees are a lump sum that pays for maintenance or building access.
Lab fees are often charged for science classes with a laboratory component.
Environment fees are charged by some schools to offset carbon emissions.
Campus spirit fees or athletic fees are paid by all undergrads and used to support athletics.
Tech fees support campus wifi, computer labs, and printing.
Transportation fees are charged by some schools for shuttle or bus services.
Health and wellness fees support the campus health center and wellness campaigns.
Commencement fees are charged to graduating students to participate in graduation.

What Is In-State Tuition vs What Is Out-of-State Tuition?

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.

Tuition Exchange Programs

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.

Average College Tuitions

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:

Top Five Most Expensive States for College Tuition

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

Top Five Least Expensive States for College Tuition

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

What Is the Average College Tuition?

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

How Often Do You Have to Pay Tuition?

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.

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