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Tuition, Fees and Other Costs of Attendance at Colleges and Universities


What is this measure, and why is this measure important? This indicator shows the tuition, fees and other costs of attendance at colleges and universities, the published tuition price by state and the average annual percentage increase in inflation-adjusted published prices by decade. Although published prices can be deceptive because many students receive grant aid that reduces the price they actually pay, other students do pay the full price. Moreover, because of incomplete knowledge about the complex system of financial aid, many students are unaware of the subsidies available to them and make decisions based on the published prices. Other costs, including room, board, books and other expenses are larger than tuition for many students and must also be considered in evaluating financial barriers to college participation.

What are the policy issues associated with this measure? Prices are sometimes set by institutions and sometimes by state legislatures or other public bodies. While it is tempting to push for small tuition increases in order to promote affordability, the provision of quality education requires adequate resources. Accordingly, tuition policy cannot be viewed in isolation from state appropriations and student aid policies.

When interpreting this measure, what should be kept in mind? Focusing on published prices without also considering student aid can give an exaggerated picture of the financial hurdles facing students. Moreover, there is considerable variation in the prices charged by colleges and universities in the United States. Typically, two-year public colleges charge less than four-year public institutions, which have lower prices than for-profit institutions and the highest published prices are in the private not-for-profit sector. However, there are also sizable differences within these sectors, particularly by state or region and among doctoral universities, master’s universities and baccalaureate colleges. Increasingly, there are also multiple tuition levels within institutions, depending on program and/or year of study.

Most Recent Estimate
As of 2011-12
$15,286
The average estimated undergraduate budget for public two-year commuter students is $15,286, including tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and other expenses.
Most Recent Estimate
As of 2011-12
$21,447
The average estimated undergraduate budget for public four-year in-state on-campus students is $21,447, including tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and other expenses.
Most Recent Estimate
As of 2011-12
$33,973
The average estimated undergraduate budget for public four-year out-of-state on-campus students is $33,973, including tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and other expenses.
Most Recent Estimate
As of 2011-12
$42,224
The average estimated undergraduate budget for private nonprofit four-year on-campus students is $42,224, including tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and other expenses.
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Figures are associated with this topic