How much does college cost?
College costs vary widely based on the type of school you attend.
Types of costs you should consider are:
- Tuition and fees
- Room and board
- Books and supplies
- Transportation
- Personal expenses
Below are examples of 2008-09 annual tuition costs for U.S. colleges:
- Public two-year college: $1,344 for residents; $7,466 for non-residents
(Wayne Community College, Goldsboro, North Carolina)
- Private two-year college: $10,654 (Trocaire College, Buffalo, New York)
- Public four-year college: $5,409 for residents; $17,697 for non-residents
(Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona)
- Private four-year college: $33,940 (Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts)
When you choose a college, don't base your decision solely on costs.
Think about your career goals and educational needs too. Financial
aid is available to offset the costs for many students and families.
Arizona
State University (ASU) sophomore Andrew Rigazio initially considered four
schools. The scholarship he received from ASU influenced his decision in that
school's favor.
"I knew ASU had a great business school, and I really
wanted to come here. In addition, they offered me a number of opportunities
I didn't get at any of the other schools I applied to, including a scholarship
and admittance into the honors college," he says.
University of North
Dakota (UND) student Max Kahlhamer knew he wanted to attend a college with
a flight school. He considered a more expensive, private school, Embry-Riddle
Aeronautical University, and two public universities.
"I just decided,
through a lot of discussions with my parents and research, that UND was the
best choice -- the most bang for your buck, really -- because it is one of
the top flight schools in the nation...," he says.