The cost of attending college in the U.S. can be quite expensive. In addition to tuition and fees, students may need to cover the cost of room and board, and other expenses like books and lab fees.
To help students going to college manage their budgets, it’s important that they carefully weigh their options when it comes to public and private schools. In-state tuition at public colleges can be far cheaper than out-of-state tuition or the price of attending private nonprofit schools.
College Tuition in the United States
The United States has some of the highest tuition costs, and prices have risen over time. Some of the factors that drive increasing prices are increased demand from students and increased availability of financial aid.
Colleges have also added amenities to their campuses to help attract higher-paying students. The cost of these amenities can account for as much as $3,000 per student per year. Schools are also spending more on administration.
Average College Tuition
The cost of colleges varies depending on whether students choose to attend public or private institutions. Public schools generally have different costs for in-state versus out-of-state tuition.
The average tuition in 2024 at a public, four-year school for in-state students is $9,750 per year. Students attending a public four-year program from out-of-state could expect to pay $28,386, according to Education Data Initiative.
Students who wished to attend a private nonprofit four-year college paid an average of $38,421.
In addition to tuition and fees, students have to cover other costs, such as the price of room and board, transportation, and other expenses. These additional expenses will vary depending on whether you’re living on or off-campus, but they can add more than $10,000 to the price of attending school. The average cost of attendance for students attending a public four-year in-state program is $27,146 for the 2023–2024 school year. Out-of-state students had an average of $45,708. And students attending a private nonprofit four-year program had an average annual cost of attendance of $55,840.
Recommended: What is the Average Cost of College Tuition?
States With the Cheapest College Tuition
College tuition prices vary widely by state at public four-years institutions. Generally speaking, public colleges in the South and the West are the cheapest to attend. Colleges in the Northeast are the most expensive. Vermont has the most expensive in-state tuition and fees, topping out at $17,180. New Hampshire is a close second at $17,170. To learn more, take a look at the annual study published by the College Board that tracks trends in college pricing and financial aid.
Here’s a look at the states with the cheapest in-state tuition and fees at four-year flagship university programs over the 2023–2024 school year.
Wyoming
University of Wyoming
In-state tuition and fees: $6,700
Out-of-state tuition and fees: $22,480
Florida
University of Florida
In-state tuition and fees: $6,380
Out-of-state tuition and fees: $28,660
Montana
University of Montana
In-state tuition and fees: $8,150
Out-of-state tuition and fees: $31,620
Idaho
University of Idaho
In-state tuition and fees: $8,820
Out-of-state tuition and fees: $28,050
North Carolina
University of NC-Chapel Hill
In-state tuition and fees: $9,000
Out-of-state tuition and fees: $39,340
Nevada
University of Nevada: Reno
In-state tuition and fees: $9,010
Out-of-state tuition and fees: $25,970
Mississippi
University of Mississippi
In-state tuition and fees: $9,410
Out-of-state tuition and fees: $26,980
South Dakota
University of South Dakota
In-state tuition and fees: $9,430
Out-of-state tuition and fees: $12,940
West Virginia
West Virginia University
In-state tuition and fees: $9,650
Out-of-state tuition and fees: $27,360
Arkansas
University of Arkansas
In-state tuition and fees: $9,750
Out-of-state tuition and fees: $28,770
Paying for College
Because the price of college tuition, fees, and room and board can be so high, many students have to take out student loans, apply for grants and scholarships, or apply for student aid in order to make college affordable. Students may take out federal loans or private loans to help them pay for school. They will have to repay these loans through a series of monthly payments with interest.
Federal student loans are offered by the U.S. Department of Education under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. This program offers four types of federal loans:
• Direct Subsidized Loans are available to undergrads who demonstrate financial need. Interest on these loans is covered by the Department of Education while the students are enrolled in school at least half-time.
• Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to undergrads, graduate students, and professional students and are not made based on need.
• Direct PLUS Loans are for graduate and undergraduate students and parents of dependent undergrads. Eligibility is not based on financial need.
• Direct Consolidation Loans allow students to combine federal loans into a single loan.
To apply for federal student loans and other forms of federal aid, students are required to fill out the FAFSA®, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, each year.
Recommended: FAFSA Guide
Private student loans may be available through private lenders, such as banks and online lenders. These institutions set their own terms, interest rates, and loan amounts. When determining individual rates and terms, lenders will generally evaluate the applicants credit history, among other factors. Private student loans are typically considered a last resort when it comes to financing college because they aren’t required to offer the same borrower benefits or protections (like income-driven repayment options) as federal student loans.
There are also various sources of financial aid that can help students pay for school. It can come from federal, state, school, and private sources.
• Grants, such as federal Pell Grants, are a form of financial aid that doesn’t need to be paid back, unlike student loans.
• Scholarships are funds offered to students often based on academic performance, an area of study, or special talents. Scholarships also do not generally need to be repaid.
• Work-study programs allow students to earn money while they are in school. Students may qualify for the federal work-study program based on financial need.
• Many schools offer financial aid or scholarships.
The Takeaway
College can be a huge expense, but there are also a lot of benefits of a college education. As you’re choosing schools, it’s important to evaluate all of your options and think seriously about choosing one that’s in your budget as well as finding manageable ways to pay for it. That may mean attending the public school in the state you live in. And if you live in one of the states with the cheapest in-state tuition, you may pay less than $10,000 a year to go to school.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
FAQ
How much does college cost on average in the U.S.?
The estimated cost of attendance for one year of college is $27,146 for in-state students at public four-year schools, $45,708 per year for out-of-state students at public four-year colleges, and $55,840 for students at private nonprofit schools.
What state has the cheapest tuition?
States with the cheapest tuition include Florida, Wyoming, and Montana.
Photo credit: iStock/Bet_Noire
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