Compare College Tuition

Compare college tuition between 4 year private colleges, 4 year public colleges, and 2 year community colleges. Is it really cheaper to attend a public college or university?

Compare College Tuition and Cost - 2 Year and 4 Year Public, 4 Year Private

2 Year Public - The cost to attend a 2 year public community college is the least expensive option. Not only are tuition and fees cheaper, but room and board is cheaper, because it assumes the student lives at home with the parent. It is also easier to hold a part-time job when attending a community college.

4 Year Public In-State - An in-state public college or university is an affordable option, as the tuition and fees are lower for state residents.

4 Year Public Out-of-State - An out-of-state public school becomes more expensive, although there are regional Tuition Assistance Programs that offer reduced tuition rates for students from neighboring states.

4 Year Private, Non-Profit - On paper, private 4 year non-profit colleges and universities are the most expensive. However, many of them offer large financial aid packages that reduce the cost. It may also be easier to graduate within 4 years, reducing the overall cost (see below). Check out the tuition costs at the top 20 national universities at College Tuition List.

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Cost of College Tuition and Other Expenses

While it is important to compare college tuition prices, you should also look at the total cost of college. Tuition prices will usually be the largest part of the cost of college, and the one that differs the most between schools. The above chart shows average costs for 2024, which is $17,709 for tuition alone. Plan for rising tuition costs of 5% per year, or more for some public schools. Here's some of the main college expense categories:

Tuition and Fees Tuition and fees are set by the school, and may increase each year, especially for public schools. Tuition and fees may vary depending on how many units you take, and your major. For example, there may be lab fees for some art majors, or flying fees for aviation pilot majors.

Room and Board - $12,917 a year on average. Whether you live in the dorm, an on-campus apartment, or an off-campus apartment or house, the cost for renting a room can be very expensive. Share a room to reduce costs if possible. Board means food. Meal plans vary in price, and usually they are required if you live in the dorm. If you live in an apartment or house, you can usually save money on food by shopping wisely and preparing your own food.

Books and Supplies - Average cost $1220 a year. Books and supplies can be very expensive, depending on your major. Check out ways to save money with Cheap College Books.

Personal Expenses - Average cost $3790 per year. Laundry, cell phone, clothes, entertainment are all part of personal expenses. These are easy to go over budget. Why not get a student job for some spending money?

Transportation - Cost can vary a lot. Expect to pay more for travel expenses if you have a car, commute to college, or live across the country from your college. See our ideas for saving money on transportation costs with Student Travel Deals.

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Compare Cost of College Private vs. Public

Students with high GPA and test scores should definitely consider top private schools, as they can be very affordable. This is one of the best kept secrets - attending a 4 year private non-profit college or university can actually be cheaper! Private schools have several advantages.

Graduate in 4 Years - First, students are more likely to graduate within 4 years. In public schools, it may be difficult to get the classes you need as many classes are impacted and are only offered once a year, so it may take 6 years to complete what you think is a 4 year degree. As shown in the above chart, 4 years at a private college is not much more expensive than 6 years at a public college, and may even be less if financial aid package covers a substantial portion of the cost (student only pays 60% as shown in the example of the chart).

Good Financial Aid Packages - Second, many private colleges and universities have large endowments that are used for scholarships and grants for students who need financial aid. They may provide a better financial aid packet, so the expected family contribution is the same or less than a less expensive public school.

Better Job Prospects - Third, a degree from a top rated private school may help a student secure that all-important first job out of college. Since most students graduate with some student loans, having a good job to allow you to pay back the loans is important.

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Compare College Tuition Cost Options

See what our readers have said about tuition options for private colleges and universities, state universities and community college. Learn why they made the choices they made.

Community College, State University, or Private University? You Decide

I began my college search very early into my junior year of high school. I had always believed that I would and could go to a four year university. Guidance counselors and other people I knew who had been to college suggested attending a community college for a couple of years before transferring to a four year university to finish my degree. I had always shrugged off the idea, thinking that...

Reaping the Rewards of a State University

The ability to discern what type of post-secondary educational institutions is most cost-efficient is of great value in these current economic conditions. Prospective students and their parents conduct research on the minutiae of college tuition in order to assure that their children are receiving quality education that is affordable; however, being aware of broader career options and greater earning potential as a result of attending a state university…

Private Schools - The Plentiful Choice

When I was choosing a school, I had no idea which route I would take. Would I choose a large state school, a small private school, a local community college, or just even skip this option completely?

When I was applying, I started with the school of my father, Illinois State University. This process became quite rigorous and even somewhat hectic with all of the information required. As I received more and more letters from schools, I began to notice a pattern of financial help from private schools…

Get It While It's Hot

Most people think about going to a four year university when they are in high school, not realizing that that might not be the best choice. In my opinion, it isn't even a smart choice. Going to a community college for two years then going to a university is the most logical choice. Community college is cheater and gives you the opportunity to find yourself before spending a ton of money...

What Your Parents Don't Have the Heart to Tell You

Being accepted to college is probably one of the greatest feelings, knowing that you’ve accomplished something so memorable. Being accepted to your ‘number one’ college is probably the next greatest feeling, knowing that you’ve reached your goals.

Hopefully you have supportive parents that are willing to let you decide where you truly want to attend college. My parents …

Making the Most of High School AP and Dual Credit Classes to Save Money

Scholarships. Financial aid. Essay contests. These are all credible ways to help defray the cost of a college education, but there is another way that may be even more efficient and effective if you're a hard worker and don't mind a little academic challenge. Take AP and dual enrollment courses while in high school. This is money in the bank …

Save Money and Gain Experience with Community College

My senior year of high school I was really focused on attending either a private or public 4 year university. All throughout high school, these were honestly the only options I considered and had been exposed to and encouraged to go to. Although I only applied to…

But Mom, Do I Have To? - State Universities Offer Many Rewards

As I am sitting at the dinner table my mom begins to remind me on the necessity of applying for scholarships. I mean, obviously I am aware I should apply, but the fact is I know I dread writing all those college essays on "What I Want To Be When I Grow Up", "How Do I Think I Can Save Our Planet", or "What Makes Me Different From All Other Applicants for This Scholarship". I think it is safe to say that most teenagers…

Why I Chose a Private College

I started my college search around junior year of high school. I thought I wanted to go out of state, but I visited some local public and private schools, and quickly my decision was between a large state school and a small private school within an hour of each other. I based my choice on…

Save on College Tuition in High School

There are countless ways in which students can save money for college. One of the most efficient ways to do so is by taking AP or IB classes. These classes are free to the student since they are taken at their regular high school. Taking these classes and passing the exams will give the student college credit. The average tuition per credit hour can be anywhere from…

Paying for your kids college and setting them up for the big move when they graduate!

One of the great tips that I suggest parents seek out for college tuition is first making a decision to look at in state colleges and universities for their child. This process should begin as early as ninth grade and no later than December of junior year. Visiting colleges early allows for you and your child to get the feel and experience college. Our daughter attending a state college/university has allowed …

Finding the Best College for the Best Price

As a high school senior, it is very important that I find the college that will best suit me for the lowest price possible. I had five options: community college, in-state public and private universities, and out-of-state public and private universities. Unlike many others, I decided on a very specific major, so my options were already limited…

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