 | State college average: $5,043 |
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 | Private college average: $19,991 |
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After 18 years of worrying about grade point averages and test scores, the dream of college is within reach but the worry of how much it will cost continues. The average annual tuition at public four-year colleges and universities averaged about $5,685 for in-state residents during 2006-2007, according to preliminary data gathered by the National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education.
Colleges can be split into state colleges, state-run research universities and private colleges and universities.
A list of Public Doctoral/Research universities is offered online by the University of Washington. But tuition is only one piece of the cost. Often the largest portion comes from room and board, which can vary greatly from small towns to large cities. Students also pay for books and a variety of fees. | | |
| Typical costs: | - State colleges and universities offering bachelors and masters programs averaged $5,043 for 2006-2007 for in-state residents. Because schools are supported by state tax dollars, out-of-state students pay an additional $4,000 -$18,000 annually. School-specific sites like California colleges.edu provide price information.
- The cost for state-run research universities averaged $6,836 per year for in-state residents in 2006-2007 and $16,400 -$18,400 for out-of-state students. The University of Toledo offers an online calculator to estimate costs.
- Tuition at private colleges and universities averaged about $19,991 during 2006-2007. These institutions can offer degrees for undergraduates, graduates and doctorates or may serve the art or vocational communities. This year the Academy of Art University in California offers associate and bachelor degrees in a variety of fields from architecture to motion pictures and television for around $14,400, while in New York Juilliard School graduates may receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance or drama, or a Bachelor of Music for about $27,150 per year during the four-year program. George Washington University hits several "most expensive colleges" lists at $39,210.
- Tip: Plan ahead with a college cost projector offered by Finaid.org that allows users to enter the current cost of college matriculated by the number of years before the student enters the school to discover the amount needed.
Additional costs: | - The traditional two-person dormitory room with a shared bathroom down the hall averaged $4,011 during 2006-2007, according to the US Department of Education, but varies from around $1,500 -$7,200 depending on the location. Add about $1,000 for a single room. Meal plans are purchased separately and are available in many different sized packages. The average annual cost for board in 2006-2007 was $3,368.
- Books average about $1,200 -$1,500 per year, based on five courses per semester.
- Other expenses include a collection of fees that run from $357 -$1,650 per year and cover the student union, health center, student association, technology, activities and sports.
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Shopping for college: | - The American Association of Colleges and Universities offers an online list of state colleges.
- Narrow down the possibilities by making a list of requirements. Follow up with an on-campus visit.
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Article updated July 2008 |
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