Average Tuition by School Type
2025-26 tuition costs for public, private, and community colleges, plus room & board, total cost of attendance, and historical trends.
Key Numbers
Public In-State
$11,950
Private Nonprofit
$45,000
Community College
$4,150
Room & Board
$13,900–$15,920
College costs vary significantly by institution type. The figures below are 2025-26 enrollment-weighted averages from the College Board. Sticker price is the published cost; net price is what first-time full-time students actually pay after grants and scholarships. At private colleges, the average institutional discount rate exceeds 56%.
| School Type | Sticker Price | Net Price | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public 2-Year (In-District) | $4,150 | ~$0 | +2.7% |
| Public 4-Year (In-State) | $11,950 | ~$2,300 | +2.9% |
| Public 4-Year (Out-of-State) | $31,880 | — | +3.4% |
| Private Nonprofit 4-Year | $45,000 | ~$16,910 | +4.0% |
YoY change is nominal (before adjusting for 2.6% inflation). Net prices are estimated averages for first-time full-time students including those who received no grant aid. Community college grant aid has fully covered tuition and fees since 2009-10.
Sticker Price
The advertised cost before any financial aid. Sticker prices continue rising 2–4% annually, but fewer families pay full price — especially at private institutions where 89% of students receive institutional grants.
Net Price
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships. Net tuition at public 4-year schools is down 48% from its 2012-13 peak. Every college is required to publish a net price calculator on its website.
Total Cost of Attendance
Tuition is only part of the picture. Room and board often rivals or exceeds tuition at public institutions. The table below shows the full estimated budget by school type for 2025-26.
| Component | Public 4-Yr (In-State) | Public 4-Yr (Out-of-State) | Private Nonprofit | Community College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $11,950 | $31,880 | $45,000 | $4,150 |
| Housing & Food | $13,900 | $13,900 | $15,920 | $10,850* |
| Books & Supplies | $1,220 | $1,220 | $1,215 | $1,570 |
| Transportation | $1,360 | $1,360 | $1,150 | $2,100 |
| Other Expenses | $2,560 | $2,560 | $2,630 | $2,650 |
| Annual Total | $30,990 | $50,920 | $65,470 | $21,320 |
| Multi-Year Total | $123,960 | $203,680 | $261,880 | $42,640† |
*Community college housing & food estimated for off-campus students. †2-year total. All other multi-year totals assume 4 years at constant prices.
Room & board is the largest non-tuition cost. At public 4-year schools, housing and food ($13,900) exceeds tuition ($11,950) for in-state students. Living at home can save $12,000–$16,000+ annually.
Tuition by State
In-state tuition at public 4-year schools ranges from $6,360 (Florida) to $18,090 (Vermont) — a 3× spread. Community college tuition ranges from $1,440 (California) to $8,900 (Vermont).
Public 4-Year In-State: Most & Least Affordable
| Most Affordable | Most Expensive | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | $6,360 | Vermont | $18,090 |
| Wyoming | $7,430 | New Hampshire | $18,000 |
| North Carolina | $7,580 | Pennsylvania | $15,080 |
| Utah | $8,120 | Illinois | $14,720 |
| Idaho | $8,340 | New Jersey | $14,580 |
National average: $11,950. Shows 5 lowest and 5 highest states.
Community College: Most & Least Affordable
| Most Affordable | Most Expensive | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $1,440 | Vermont | $8,900 |
| New Mexico | $2,250 | Massachusetts | $7,510 |
| North Carolina | $2,530 | New Hampshire | $7,400 |
National average: $4,150 in-district. Over 30 states now offer tuition-free community college programs.
Regional reciprocity programs like WUE (Western), MSEP (Midwest), and RSP (Southern) let students attend out-of-state public schools at reduced rates — typically 150% of in-state tuition instead of the full out-of-state price.
Historical Trends
Over the past 30 years, published tuition has roughly doubled in real terms at public universities. However, the rate of increase has slowed significantly, and net prices have actually declined at most institution types.
30-Year Tuition Growth (Inflation-Adjusted)
| School Type | 1995-96 (2025 $) | 2025-26 | 30-Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public 2-Year (In-District) | $2,810 | $4,150 | +48% |
| Public 4-Year (In-State) | $5,940 | $11,950 | +101% |
| Private Nonprofit 4-Year | $25,820 | $45,000 | +74% |
Recent Trend: Sticker vs. Net Price
| Metric | Public 4-Yr (In-State) | Private Nonprofit | Community College |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year sticker price change (2015-16 to 2025-26, real) | −7% | +2% | −10% |
| Net tuition peak | $4,450 (2012-13) | $19,810 (2006-07) | ~$0 (since 2009) |
| Net tuition 2025-26 | $2,300 | $16,910 | ~$0 |
| Change from peak | −48% | −15% | — |
All figures in 2025 dollars. 10-year sticker price changes are inflation-adjusted. Net prices reflect averages for first-time full-time students after all grant aid.
Sticker prices are misleading: While published tuition continues rising 2–4% annually, increased grant aid means the net price families pay has been flat or declining for over a decade. Always use a school's net price calculator for accurate cost estimates.
Sources
- 1.College Board — Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2025
- 2.College Board — Trends in College Pricing Highlights 2025-26
- 3.NCES College Navigator — Institution-Level Cost Data
- 4.U.S. Department of Education — Net Price Calculator Center
- 5.NACUBO — Tuition Discounting Study (Institutional Aid Trends)
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified professional for guidance tailored to your situation.