What are average college prices?

In the 2005-06 academic year, average annual tuition charges for the major types of institutions are as follows:

• Public Two-year Community Colleges: $2,191
• Public Four-year Colleges and Universities: $5,491
• Private Four-year Colleges and Universities: $21,235

When room and board, transportation, and other expenses are added, the total annual student budgets are as follows:

• Public Two-Year Community Colleges (commuter students): $11,692
• Public Four-year Colleges and Universities (commuter students): $15,991
• Public Four-year Colleges and Universities (resident students): $15,566
• Public Four-year Colleges and Universities (out-of-state students): $23,239
• Private Four-year Colleges and Universities (commuter students): $32,070
• Private Four-year Colleges and Universities (resident students): $31,916

NOTE: These figures do not reflect student aid that reduces the amount students and families must pay. Three out of four full-time students receive financial aid.

Additional Information

• Straight Talk About College Costs and Prices
  Report of The National Commission on the Cost of Higher Education (1998)

  "This report...provides straight talk about college costs and about college prices. While this Commission's ultimate goal is ensuring the affordability of higher education, achieving that goal requires an understanding of what it costs colleges and universities to educate students, the prices academic institutions charge students to attend, and the relationship between the two. Moreover, the role of financial aid is considered since many students do not pay the full price they are charged for their education. This report, therefore, is divided into three main sections: the first provides a review of significant facts about higher education and the current situation with regard to higher education costs and prices. The second outlines our review and assessment of the major reasons advanced for increases in college costs and prices. The third presents our convictions about the college cost and price crisis and our recommendations to keep higher education affordable."

  Source: Straight Talk About College Costs and Prices