College Cost Comparison 2024–25
National averages from College Board. Your actual costs will vary by school.
Cost of Attendance by School Type
Community College
Commuter-only; no on-campus housing costs shown
Public In-State
Includes room & board for on-campus living
Public Out-of-State
Out-of-state tuition varies widely; some states have reciprocity agreements
Private Nonprofit
Many private schools with large endowments offer substantial need-based grants
What's Included in Cost of Attendance?
| Component | What It Covers | Billed by School? |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | Instruction costs plus mandatory fees (activity, tech, health) | Yes |
| Room & Board | On-campus housing or estimated off-campus housing | Partially |
| Books & Supplies | Textbooks, lab materials, course software | No (estimate) |
| Transportation | Getting to/from school, not daily commuting | No (estimate) |
| Personal Expenses | Clothing, personal care, entertainment | No (estimate) |
| Loan Fees | Origination fees on federal student loans | No (estimate) |
Hidden Costs to Budget For
How to Calculate Your Real Net Price
- 1
Find each school's Net Price Calculator
Every college is required to have one on their website. It gives a personalized estimate based on your income and assets — not just the average.
- 2
Subtract all gift aid from COA
Grants and scholarships (not loans, not work-study) are the only types of aid that reduce what you pay. Net Price = COA − Grants & Scholarships.
- 3
Determine how you'll cover the gap
The remaining amount after grants is what you need to fund via savings, loans, work, or family contribution. Compare this number — not the sticker price — across schools.
- 4
Project all four years
Tuition typically increases 3–5% per year. Year 1 cost × 4 is often an underestimate of the real total.