Average Cost of College

• In the United States, college costs $35,700 per year on average.
• Apart from tuition costs, there has also been an increase of 1,414% in the average cost of dormitory rooms and a total of 796% in board cost since 1963-1974.
• The average cost of accommodation during 2019-2020 was $31,737.
• Student loan debt is also a significant part of college costs, reaching the amount of $1.59 trillion in 2021.
• For a number of reasons, including the high cost of college, students choose to work right after graduating from high school. In 2020, high school graduates earned a median salary of $30,000.
• The government strives to help students with college costs. In 2019-2020 a total of $242 billion was offered to both undergraduate and graduate students as financial aid.

Average Total Cost of College

The total cost of college includes tuition fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation and personal expenses.

• During 2018-2019 the average cost of college in all institutions was $24,623.
• The average cost of room and board in all institutions during 2019-2020 was $1,275.
• There has been an increase of 1,414% in the average cost of dormitory rooms and a total of 796% in board cost since 1963-1974.
• In 2019-2020, at 4-year institutions, on-campus accommodation averaged $35,331; the cost of living independently was $35,306, and living with family members cost an average of $24,575.
• Since 1978, the cost of college textbooks and supplies has risen by a total of 812%.
• The cost of textbooks and supplies in 2020 has reached the amount of $1,275 per year at public 4-year institutions.
• The annual cost of food during 2020-2021 averaged a total of $7,691; the cost of transportation averaged a total of $2,931; and personal expenses averaged a total of $2,726.

Average Cost of Community College vs. University

Compared to all sectors of higher education, community colleges are the least expensive in regards to tuition fees.

• The average cost of community college for the year 2021/2022 is around $15,477 in private colleges.
• Public community colleges charge in-state students around $5,155, and out-of-state students around $8,835 per year.
• Among all states in America, New Mexico is the least expensive state for community college — where the average cost of tuition is $3,352. Whereas, the most expensive state is Pennsylvania — where the average cost of tuition is $14,501.
• The average cost of university for the year 2021/2022 is around $38,185 in private universities.
• The cost of university for out-of-state students in public universities is around $22,698.
• The cost of university for in-state students in public universities is around $10,338.

Average Cost of Tuition

The cost of tuition is one of the greatest expenses for college students.

• In the academic year of 2021-2022, the average cost of tuition for in-state students at private nonprofit 4-year institutions is $38,070.
• At public 4-year institutions, during the academic year of 2021-2022, the average cost of tuition for in-state students is $10,740; at public 2-year institutions, tuition cost averages the amount of $3,800.
• During the 2020-2021 academic year, the average cost of tuition for in-state students at private nonprofit 4-year institutions was $38,710.
• At public 4-year institutions, the average cost of tuition for in-state students during 2020-2021 is $10,980; at public 2-year institutions, tuition cost averages a total of $3,890.
• During 2019-2020, the total average cost of tuition for in-state students at public 4-year institutions was $9,349; for out-of-state students, the total average cost of tuition was $27,023.
• Between the average cost of tuition for in-state students and out-of-state students at public 4-year universities there was a 97% difference in tuition cost.
• During 2019-2020, at private 4-year institutions, the total average cost of tuition was $32,769.
• In 2019-2020, at public 2-year universities, in-state tuition was $3,377; out-of-state tuition averaged a total of $8,126.
• In comparison to public 4-year universities ($9,349), the average cost of tuition for in-state students at public 2-year universities ($3,377) differed by 93% during 2019-2020.
• In 2019-2020, the average cost of tuition for out-of-state students at public 4-year universities ($27,023) differed by 107% from the cost of tuition for out-of-state students at public 2-year institutions.

Average Cost of Tuition by Degree Level

In the United States, the cost of tuition may differ between different levels of study.

Average Cost of College Tuition Over Time

During the last few decades, the cost of college tuition has increased significantly.

• Between 1985 and 2019 the cost of college tuition in all institutions increased for $19,738 or by 404% (115% after adjusting for inflation).
• During 1985-1986, the average cost of college tuition in all 4-year institutions was $5,504.
• In 2018-2019 students paid an average of $28,123 in college tuition in 4-year institutions.
• Between 1985 and 2019, the cost of college tuition in 4-year institutions increased for $22,619 or by 410% (118% after adjusting for inflation).
• At 2-year institutions, during 2018-2019, students paid an average of $11,389 in college tuition.
• At 2-year institutions, during 1985-1986, the average cost of college tuition was $3,367.
• Between 1985 and 2019, the cost of college tuition in 2-year institutions increased by $8,022 or by 238% (44% after adjusting for inflation).
• During the 1985-1986 academic year, the cost of college tuition in 4-year institutions ($5,505) and 2-year institutions ($3,367) did vary — showing a 48% difference between the two.
• During the 2018-2019 academic year, the cost of college tuition in 4-year institutions ($26,592) and 2-year institutions ($10,597) varied significantly — with an 86% difference between the two.

Historical Cost of College Across All Postsecondary Institutions

Historical Average Cost of College Tuition in Public Postsecondary Institutions

There has been a significant change in college tuition even in public postsecondary institutions.

• During 1985-1986, students at public 4-year universities paid an average of $3,859 in college tuition.
• Over thirty years forward, during the school year of 2018-2019, the average cost of tuition rose to $20,598 per year — meaning there has been a 433% increase in college tuition in public 4-year institutions (or 128% after adjusting for inflation).
• At 2-year public institutions, during the 2018-2019 academic year, students paid an average of $10,950 in college tuition. Whereas, this amount during 1985-1986 was only $2,981. Between 1985 and 2019, the cost of college tuition increased by 267% (or 57% after adjusting for inflation).
• Through the 1985-1986 academic year, there was a 25% difference between the average cost of college tuition in public 4-year ($3,859) and 2-year ($2,981) institutions.
• Through the 2018-2019 academic year, there was a significant difference between the average cost of college tuition in public 4-year ($20,598) and 2-year ($10,950) institutions — indicating a 61% difference.

Historical Cost of College Tuition in Public Postsecondary Institutions

Historical Average Cost of College Tuition in Private Nonprofit and For-profit Postsecondary Institutions

• There has been an increase in tuition fees in private nonprofit and for-profit 4-year institutions as well — where from $8,885 as it was in 1985, the average cost of tuition rose to $44,306 in 2019 — thus, showing a 398% increase in college tuition (or 113% after adjusting for inflation).
• In private nonprofit and for-profit 2-year institutions, the cost of college tuition of $6,512 as it was in 1985, rose to $28,627 in 2019. There has been an increase of 339% in college tuition (or 88% after adjusting for inflation).
• In comparison to the average cost of college tuition in 4-year institutions ($9,228), the average cost of college tuition in 2-year institutions ($6,512) during 1985-1986 was lower — showing a 34% difference.
• In 2018-2019, there was a 43% difference between the average cost of college tuition in 4-year institutions ($44,662), and the average cost of college tuition in 2-year institutions ($28,627).

Historical Cost of College Tuition in Private Nonprofit and For-profit Postsecondary Institutions

Average Cost of Online College

The advancement of technology has made online education even more accessible to students. Although online education might present different challenges, it gives students the flexibility to study from anywhere.

• Based on 5,961 institutions, a total of 36.6% of students were enrolled in distance education courses during the year 2019.
• The number of students enrolled in distance education courses has increased considerably from 2012 to 2018.
• In 2012, for example, 26% of undergraduate students enrolled in distance education. Whereas, there was a 30% enrollment of graduate students in distance education.
• In 2018, on the other hand, a total of 34% of undergraduate students and 40% of graduate students pursued online education courses.
• Note that in the spring of 2020, most universities and colleges shifted their classes online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• According to a report by Cheg, 76% of students in the US agree that they would rather their university offered the choice of more online education in return to lower tuition fees.

The cost of tuition varies greatly between levels of study, as well as between different institutions. Below you will find the average cost of an online bachelor’s degree:

Average Cost of College Textbooks and Supplies

Today, the cost of textbooks and supplies varies between different institutions although this difference is not quite significant. However, over the years it has increased noticeably.

• In 2020, the average cost of college books and supplies was $1,275 in 4-year institutions and $1,531 in 2-year institutions — showing only an 18% difference between the two.
• In comparison to the average cost of college textbooks and supplies in 4-year institutions ($1,270) during 2018, and the average cost of college textbooks and supplies ($1,275) in 2020 — the average cost of college textbooks and supplies increased by only 0.39%.
• In 2020, the average cost of college textbooks and supplies did not differ much between 4-year public in-state ($1,291) and private non-profit institutions ($1,255). In comparison to these institutions, the cost of college textbooks and supplies in private for-profit institutions was lower ($1,103).

Average Cost of College Textbooks and Supplies in 4-Year Institutions

• During 2018, the average cost of college textbooks and supplies at 2-year institutions was $1,485, and it increased only by a total of 3.1 % in 2020 ($1,531).
• In 2020, the average cost of college textbooks and supplies at 2-year public institutions was $1,538. Compared to 2-year private non-profit institutions ($1,061) there was a 36% difference in the annual average cost of college textbooks and supplies.
• Compared to 2-year private non-profit institutions, there was a 28% difference in the average cost of college textbooks and supplies at private for-profit institutions in 2020.

Average Cost of College Textbooks and Supplies in 2-Year Institutions

Average Cost of Room and Board at College

Over the years the cost of room and board at college has undergone significant changes.

• The average cost of dormitory rooms during 1963-1974 was $411. In 2020, this amount rose to $6,224 — showing an increase of 1,414%.
• The average cost of dormitory rooms in 4-year institutions during 1963-1974 was $413. In 2020, there was an increase of 1,438% — the price for a dormitory room increasing to $6,354.
• Dormitory rooms in 2-year institutions during 1963-1974 had an average cost of $355. More than 50 years forward, the cost of dormitory rooms in 2-year institutions rose to $3,941 — showing an increase of 1,010%.
• During 1963-1974, the average board cost was $541. In 2020, board cost increased by 796% — its amount rising to $4,848.
• In 4-year institutions during 1963-1974 the average board cost was $542. During 2014- 2020, board costs rose to an average of $4,848.

Cost of Dormitory Rooms and Board in Public Institutions

• In public institutions, the average cost of dormitory rooms during 1963-1974 was $389 which then rose to $5,980 during 2014-2020 — showing an increase of 1,437%.
• In public 4-year institutions, the average cost of dormitory rooms during 1963-1974 was $392 which in 2014-2020 increased to $6,147 — showing an increase of 1,468%.
• In public 2-year institutions, the average cost of dormitory rooms during 1963-1974 was $324. During 2014-2020 it increased to $3,856 — showing an increase of 1,090% in the cost of dormitory rooms over the years.
• The average board cost in public institutions was $523 during the years 1963-1974, whereas during 2014-2020 it rose to $4,635 — showing a total increase of 786% in board costs in public institutions.
• At 4-year public institutions, the average board cost increased from $525 (1963-1974) to $4,732 (2014-2020) — showing an increase of 801% in board cost over the years.
• At 2-year public institutions, the average board cost was $486 during 1963-1974. However, during 2014-2020 the average board cost increased to $2,740 — or by 463%.
• During 2014-2020, there was a difference of 25% between the average cost of dormitory rooms and board at public institutions.

Cost of Dormitory Rooms and Board in Private Nonprofit and For-Profit Institutions

• In private nonprofit and for-profit institutions, during 1963-1974, the average cost of dormitory rooms was $451. Since then, there has been an increase of 1,412% considering that the average cost of dormitory rooms rose to $6,820 during 2014-2020.
• During 1963-1974, the average board cost in private nonprofit and for-profit institutions was $574. The average board cost increased noticeably during 2014-2020 — becoming $5,370, hence showing an increase of 835% in board cost.

Cost of Dormitory Rooms and Board in Nonprofit Institutions

• The average cost of dormitory rooms in nonprofit institutions during 1999-2004 was $3,543. During 2014-2020, the cost of dormitory rooms rose to $6,827 — showing an increase of 92%.
• Dormitory rooms at nonprofit 4-year institutions cost an average of $3,555 during 1999-2004, and then rose to $6,831 during 2014-2020. This showed an increase of 92% in dormitory room costs at nonprofit 4-year institutions.
• The average cost of dormitory rooms at nonprofit 2-year institutions ($2,385) during 1999-2004 increased by 148% during 2014-2020 ($5,928).
• The average board cost at nonprofit institutions was $3,013 during 1999-2004. During 2014-2020, board cost rose to an average of $5,400 — showing an increase of 79%.
• The average board cost at nonprofit 4-year institutions increased by 72% — from $3,107 as it was during 1999-2004 to $5,372 during 2014-2020.
• Nonprofit 2-year institutions charged students for board an average of $2,796 during 1999-2004. During 2014-2020, the average board cost at 2-year institutions ($4,478) increased by 60%.
• There was a 23% difference between the cost of dormitory rooms and board in nonprofit institutions during 2014-2020.

Cost of Dormitory Rooms and Board in For-Profit Institutions

• The average cost of dormitory rooms in for-profit institutions was $4,611 during 1999-2004, which then rose to $6,724 during 204-2020 — showing an increase of 45%.
• There was a 31% difference between the cost of dormitory rooms in 4-year institutions ($5,225) and 2-year institutions ($3,793) during 1999-2004.
• The average board cost during 1999-2004 was $3,501 in for-profit institutions, and it increased to $4,345 or by 24% during 2014-2020.
• The average board cost at 4-year institutions was $3,278 during 1999-2004, and it increased by 28% in 2014-2020 — becoming $4,224.
• At 2-year institutions, the average board cost during 1999-2004 was $4,013. 20 years forward, the average board cost rose to $5,317 — indicating a 32% increase in board costs at 2-year institutions.
• There was a 42% difference between the cost of dormitory rooms ($6,724) and board in for-profit institutions ($4,345) during 2014-2020.

Cost of On-Campus vs. Off-Campus Accommodation

The cost of accommodation is an additional financial burden for students that pursue higher education. The cost of accommodation varies depending on the student’s housing status.

4-Year Institutions

• In 2019-2020, the cost of on-campus accommodation ($35,331) and living independently ($35,306) at 4-year institutions was higher than living with family members ($24,575) — showing a 35% difference.
• For in-state residents during 2019-2020, the cost of on-campus accommodation ($25,487) and living independently ($25,560) at public 4-year institutions was similar. However, living with family members ($14,920) differed for approximately 50%.
• Students living on campus at private non-profit 4-year institutions in 2019-2020 paid an average of $53,217 which is slightly lower than living independently ($53,908). However, living with family members differed for approximately 20% — an average of $42,163.
• The amount that students living with family members at private for-profit institutions in 2019-2020 paid for accommodation ($24,746) differed for approximately 28% from those living on-campus ($35,125) and living independently ($34,014).

4-Year Institutions 2019-2020

2-Year Institutions

• During 2019-2020, students that lived on campus at 2-year institutions paid an average of $16,445, which was approximately 15% lower from those living independently ($19,304), and 48% higher from those living with family members ($10,024).
• In 2019-2020, the amount that students living on-campus at public 2-year institutions paid ($15,748) was approximately 17% lower from the amount those living independently paid ($18,862), and approx. 48% higher from those living with family members ($9,608).
• In 2019-2020, accommodation for students living on-campus at 2-year private non-profit institutions ($34,019) differed slightly from those living independently ($34,137) — approximately 0.3%. However, the difference between these two and the amount that students living with family members ($24,459) paid was higher — approximately a 32% difference.
• Students living on-campus at 2-year private for-profit institutions during 2019-2020 paid around $32,379 for accommodation. In comparison to those living independently ($31,199), this amount differed for approximately 3.7%, and 40% from those living with family members ($21,425).

2-Year Institutions 2019-2020

Average Cost of Associated College Expenses

• During the academic year of 2020-2021, the average cost of food for students in academic programs was $7,288, while the same in 2021-2022 increased by 1.76% — becoming $7,416.
• The average cost of transportation for students in academic programs during 2020-2021 was $2,676, while in 2021-2022 it increased by 1.72% — becoming $2,722.
• Personal expenses averaged the amount of $2,266 during 2020-2021, while in 2021-2022 they increased to $2,306.
• The average cost of food for students in professional programs increased to $8,234 in 2021-2022 from $8,094 as it was during 2020-2021 — showing a 1.73% increase.
• During 2020-2021 the cost of transportation for students in professional programs was $3,186, and in 2021-2022 it increased to $3,240 — showing an increase of 1.69%.
• For students in professional programs, personal expenses during 2020-2021 averaged around $3,186, while in 2021-2022 decreased to $2,790 — showing a decrease of 12.43%.

Average College Costs by State

Undoubtedly, the cost of college in the United States is expensive and it differs from one state to the other.

Average Cost of College in 4-Year Institutions

• During the 2018-2019 academic year, the total average cost of undergraduate tuition and fees in public 4-year institutions was $20,598.
• In private 4-year institutions, the average cost of undergraduate tuition and fees during the 2018-2019 academic year was $44,662.
• In 2018-2019, the most low-priced state in terms of tuition and fees at public 4-year institutions was Florida — charging students an average of $4,443.
• In 2018-2019, the most expensive state in terms of tuition and fees at public 4-year institutions was Vermont — charging students an average of $16,604.
• In 2018-2019, the total average cost of tuition and fees at public 4-year institutions for out-of-state students was $26,382.
• During the 2018-2019 academic year, the total average cost of tuition and fees for out-of-state students in private 4-year institutions was $44,662.
• During the 2018-2019 academic year, the most low-priced state for those studying at private 4-year institutions was Idaho — charging students an average of $6,139 for tuition and fees.
• In 2018-2019, the most expensive state for those studying at private 4-year institutions was Massachusetts — charging students an average of $46,016 for tuition and fees.

Average Cost of College in 2-Year Institutions

• In 2018-2019, the total average cost of college in 2-year institutions for in-state students was $3,313.
• In 2018-2019, the total average cost of college in 2-year institutions for out-of-state students was $7,917.
• California was the most low-priced state in terms of tuition and fees at public 2-year institutions during 2018-2019— charging in-state students an average of $1,271.
• In 2018-2019, New Hampshire was the most expensive state in terms of tuition and fees ($7,599) for in-state students at public 2-year institutions.
• In 2018-2019, Nebraska charged out-of-state students at public 2-year institutions with the lowest tuition fees— an average of $3,985.
• In 2018-2019, Tennessee charged out-of-state students at public 2-year institutions with the most expensive tuition fees — an average of $16,582.

Average Cost of Student Loans

Student loan debt in the United States has reached the amount of $1.59 trillion during the year 2021, with a total of 42.8 million recipients.

• By the end of the year 2020, federal student loan debt reached the amount of $1,566.3 billion, with a total of 42.9 million recipients.
• Direct Loans in the first quarter of 2021 were the highest among all federal loan debt types — reaching the amount of $1,251.9 billion. Next were Federal Family Education Loans (FEEL) — reaching the amount of $257.2 billion, and last were Perkins Loans — reaching the amount of $5.9 billion.
• In comparison to the total student loan debt during the first quarter of 2021 ($1,565.2 billion), student loan debt in the third quarter of the year ($1,591.1 billion) has increased by 1.66%.
• Currently, in the third quarter of 2021, student loan debt has reached the amount of $1,591.1 billion with a total of 42.8 million recipients, while in the third quarter of 2020, student loan debt was $1,544.8 billion, with a total of 42.3 million recipients.

Average Cost of Lost Income

Cost of lost income refers to the potential income that one student might have earned during the years they spent studying. Considering that students spent this time studying instead of working, it is referred to as the cost of lost income.

• During the years, the median annual earnings of high school graduates did not undergo drastic changes.
• In 1990, the median annual earnings of a high school graduate were $33,679.
• Fast forward thirty years, the median annual earnings of high school graduates descended to $30,000.
• The lowest annual earnings that high school graduates earned during the years is $27,338 — in 2014.
• Adjusted for inflation, it turns out that high school graduates were earning much more in 1990 ($71,272) compared to 30 years later in 2020 ($31,152).

Cost of College to Taxpayers

The cost of tuition is covered largely by taxpayers. Student loans, Pell Grants, work-study, and all federal student aid programs receive funding from the taxes U.S. citizens pay. In addition to this, a huge part of university revenues was extracted from the state, local, and federal taxpayers.

• According to the National Center for Education Statistics, revenues from tuition and fees in 2018/2019 were around $8,000 in public institutions.
• Whereas, in 2009/2010 revenues per FTE (full-time-equivalent) student in public institutions were around $6,200.
• In private non-profit institutions, revenues were around $22,700 during 2018/2019.
• Whereas, in 2009/2010 revenues from tuition and fees in private non-profit institutions were around $21,100.
• During 2018/2019, revenues at private for-profit institutions were around $17,400.
• Whereas, revenues at private for-profit institutions during 2009/2010 were $17,800.
• In total, during 2018-2019, revenues at degree-granting higher education institutions were $672 billion (in current dollars).
• At public institutions, the total revenues reached the amount of $416 billion during 2018-2019.
• At private non-profit institutions, the total revenues reached the amount of $242 billion during 2018-2019.
• At private for-profit institutions, the total revenues reached the amount of $14 billion during 2018-2019.
• In 2019/2020, both undergraduate and graduate students received a total of $242 billion in financial aid.

*All figures are written in constant 2019–20 dollars, unless stated otherwise.

Where Does Tuition Money Go?

Generally, universities and colleges charge students with tuition fees to cover important elements so that their institutions can function properly. These elements are explained in more detail below:

Tuition Fees in Public Universities

• According to Radio Open Source, public universities in the United States spend 27% of tuition fees on general academic instruction.
• 12% of tuition fees are spent on research.
• An additional 9% of tuition fees are used to cover auxiliary enterprise expenses such as residence halls, faculty housing, dining services, etc.
• 8% of tuition fees are used for institutional support which includes legal operations, fiscal operations, general administration, and management.
• Another 7% of tuition fees are used for academic support which includes libraries, academic administrators, academic deans.
• 6% of tuition fees are used to cover expenses such as entertainment, laundry, and transportation.
• 5% of tuition fees go to public services such as conferences, reference bureaus, institutes, general advisory services.
• 4% of the tuition money is used for operations and maintenance such as maintaining campus buildings and grounds, utilities, and insurance.
• 4% of the tuition fees is spent on student services which include admissions, student activities, student counseling, registrars.
• 3% is spent on scholarships and fellowships such as grants, awards, stipends.
• 3% of the tuition money is spent on depreciation or losses in capital assets per year.
• And the rest is spent on independent operations which usually are expenses that contribute indirectly to research, public service, or instruction.

Tuition Fees in Private Universities

• According to Radio Open Source, private universities in the United States spend 33% of tuition money on instruction.
• Private universities spend another 14% of tuition fees on institutional support.
• Research receives 11% of the tuition money.
• 10% is divided for auxiliary enterprises such as dining services, faculty housing, residence halls, etc.
• 9% of tuition fees is spent on academic support — an element that includes libraries, academic deans, academic administrators.
• 8% of tuition fees in private universities is used for hospital services which include the expenses that occur in hospitals affiliated with the university.
• Another 8% of the tuition fees are used for student services such as admissions, registrars, student counseling, and activities.
• 4% of the tuition fees are spent on independent operations.
• And the rest are spent on public services, net grant Aid, or other expenses such as transportation, laundry, and entertainment.