Note:
1. American students and international students can refer to the cost for “Private 4-year Not-for-Profit” and the cost for “Public 4-year Out-of-state” colleges and universities.
2. An American student whose family resides in a particular state and pays taxes to the state can also refer to the cost for a “Public 4-year In-state.”
Author: Dave Rathmanner, LendEdu.com, 2018
No one is surprised to hear that the average cost of college has continually increased over time. No matter whether you attend a public or private school, or whether you attend a 2-year or 4-year college, you can expect to pay more than those who attended before you.
Though this increase in the average cost of college is unwelcomed by most, it is important to be aware of the current figures so you can compare the costs for schools that you are considering.
Average Cost of College Statistics by Type
The following is the average cost-of-attendance for the 2017-18 school year by school type including tuition & fees, room & board, books & supplies, transportation, and any other expenses.
- Private 4-Year Not-for-Profit: $50,900 (jump to full breakdown)
- Public 4-Year Out-of-State: $40,940 (jump to full breakdown)
- Public 4-Year In-State: $25,290 (jump to breakdown)
- Public 2-Year In-District: $17,580 (jump to breakdown)
- Private For-Profit: $16,000 (tuition only) (jump to full breakdown)
Private 4-Year Not-for-Profit Colleges & Universities
Cost of Attendance
- Tuition & Fees: $34,740
- Room & Board: $12,210
- Books & Supplies: $1,220
- Transportation: $1,030
- Other Expenses: $1,700
- Total Cost: $50,900
Rate of Increase in Price
- Rate of Tuition Increase: 6.4%
- Rate of Net Price Increase: 5.3%
Average Financial Aid Received
- Grants & Scholarships: $20,090
Public 4-Year Out-of-State Colleges & Universities
- Tuition & Fees: $25,620
- Room & Board: $10,800
- Books & Supplies: $1,250
- Transportation: $1,170
- Other Expenses: $2,100
- Total Cost: $40,940
Rate of Increase in Price
- Rate of Tuition Increase: 7.2%
- Rate of Net Price Increase: 4.7%
Average Financial Aid Received
- Grants & Scholarships: $7,060
Public 4-Year In-State Colleges & Universities
- Tuition & Fees:$9,970
- Room & Board: $10,800
- Books & Supplies: $1,250
- Transportation: $1,170
- Other Expenses: $2,100
- Total Cost: $25,290
Rate of Increase in Price
- Rate of Tuition Increase: 7.2%
- Rate of Net Price Increase: 4.7%
Average Financial Aid Received
- Grants & Scholarships: $7,060
Public 2-Year In-District Colleges & Universities
- Tuition & Fees:$3,570
- Room & Board: $8,400
- Books & Supplies: $1,420
- Transportation: $1,780
- Other Expenses: $2,410
- Total Cost: $17,580
Rate of Increase in Price
- Rate of Tuition Increase: 6.9%
- Rate of Net Price Increase: 5.2%
Average Financial Aid Received
- Grants & Scholarships: $5,010
Private For-Profit Colleges & Universities
- Tuition & Fees: $16,000
Rate of Increase in Price
- Rate of Tuition Increase (4-year): 1.8%
- Rate of Net Price Increase (4-year): 1.2%
- Rate of Tuition Increase (2-year): 3.4%
- Rate of Net Price Increase (2-year): 7.6%
Average Financial Aid Received
- Grants & Scholarships: $4,400 (2-year) – $5,190 (4-year)
Note: There is less data available for for-profit colleges and universities as compared to the others listed above.
Data Sources
– CollegeBoard- Trends in Higher Education
– NCES – Disgest of Education Statistics
– U.S. Department of Education – College Affordability & Transparency Center
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