It depends on whether one chooses a public college or a private college, and also whether one takes courses at two-year or “community college” program.
Summary
- Public 4 – year college in-state – about $12-$13k/year in tuition and fees. Add about $20k for room and board if not living at home.
- Private 4-year college – about $47k/year, add $20k for room and board.
- Public 2-year college – about $4k/year
- Many colleges offer grants, scholarships and discounts such that many students pay much less – often half of the list price, and some are even free.
Other sources I checked had similar estimates to the above.
Trends in College Pricing Highlights – College Board Research
Here are estimates for 2025-2026
In 2025-26, the average published (sticker) tuition and fees for full-time undergraduate students are:
- Public four-year in-state: $11,950, $340 higher than in 2024-25 (2.9% before adjusting for inflation).
- Public four-year out-of-state: $31,880, $1,060 higher than in 2024-25 (3.4% before adjusting for inflation).
- Public two-year in-district: $4,150, $110 higher than in 2024-25 (2.7% before adjusting for inflation).
- Private nonprofit four-year: $45,000, $1,750 higher than in 2024-25 (4.0% before adjusting for inflation).
Net Prices
The majority of full-time undergraduate students receive grant aid that helps them pay for college.
- On average, first-time full-time students at public two-year colleges have been receiving enough grant aid to cover their tuition and fees since 2009-10.
