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How much do public colleges and universities cost per year on average in a 4 year program?
I'm interested in starting to save for college but I don't know how much to start begin with. I'm also hoping that I can get a decent number of scholarships to help lessen the financial strain on me and my family.
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5 answers
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Jane S.’s Answer
Tuition will vary by the state, so there is no set cost. To be on the safe side, budget about $30,000 a year. This sounds like a lot, but it should cover tuition, fees, books, transportation to and from campus, accommodation, and meals. Private colleges usually charge just this amount for tuition alone, and with many that is for a low tuition rate. The schools you will apply to will have a scholarship office, and you really ought to ask NOW about help in paying for your college costs!
Your advice was so helpful!
Tevin
Updated
Lance’s Answer
Hello Tevin,
These can vary greatly depending on the school and location. Private schools tend to be more expensive and in state public schools tend to be less expensive than out of state. Something else to look into is Reciprocity, meaning you can get in state tuition for a school that is out of state, such a Minnesota Public Universities and Wisconsin Public Universities. Cost of living can vary greatly as well depending on location of the school. There are some great resources online, to give you an idea on what to expect, but if you are looking for exact prices, you can get information from the admissions department from the school or it may be on the school's website. Best of luck!
Lance
These can vary greatly depending on the school and location. Private schools tend to be more expensive and in state public schools tend to be less expensive than out of state. Something else to look into is Reciprocity, meaning you can get in state tuition for a school that is out of state, such a Minnesota Public Universities and Wisconsin Public Universities. Cost of living can vary greatly as well depending on location of the school. There are some great resources online, to give you an idea on what to expect, but if you are looking for exact prices, you can get information from the admissions department from the school or it may be on the school's website. Best of luck!
Lance
Updated
Mary’s Answer
Tevin, another option is to take some classes in a community college for the first year or two, and then transfer your credits into another public school. Community colleges are usually cheaper. It looks like you have you a good program for that in Massachusetts:
https://masscc.org/transfer/
Here is one of the community colleges in MA:
https://www.qcc.edu/admissions/tuition-and-fees-business-office
Tuition is $205 per credit hour, so if you need to take 15-16 credits per year, it will be under $4,000 per year.
There could be other fees and the cost of books.
You should contact their Financial Aid office for any questions via email, phone, or in person, including regarding the information about available scholarships.
https://www.qcc.edu/financial-aid-scholarships
You should also ask them if they expect to raise their tuition in the next two years and by how much.
https://masscc.org/transfer/
Here is one of the community colleges in MA:
https://www.qcc.edu/admissions/tuition-and-fees-business-office
Tuition is $205 per credit hour, so if you need to take 15-16 credits per year, it will be under $4,000 per year.
There could be other fees and the cost of books.
You should contact their Financial Aid office for any questions via email, phone, or in person, including regarding the information about available scholarships.
https://www.qcc.edu/financial-aid-scholarships
You should also ask them if they expect to raise their tuition in the next two years and by how much.
Thank you for the advice, Mary.
Tevin
Updated
Stephen’s Answer
This may be a case where an average cost is not useful as one that is more specific.
For residents of Massachusetts, I looked at two examples.
Mount Wachusett Community College which is located in Gardner MA has a 2022 in-state tuition 6,000 a year.
Books and supplies will be an additional cost of 2,000 a year.
Wachusett does not have an on-campus housing option but you can estimate the off-campus housing and meal costs at 15,000 a year.
From a cost perspective, this would be one of the cheaper options in Massachusetts for a public college.
https://www.tuitionchecker.com/mount-wachusett-community-college/
The University of Massachusetts-Amherst which is located in Amherst, MA has 2022 in-state tuition of 16,500 a year.
Books and supplies will be an additional cost of 1,000 a year.
On-campus room and board are 13,500 a year.
From a cost perspective, this would be a good value for an in-state applicant in Massachusetts for a public university.
https://www.tuitionchecker.com/university-of-massachusetts-amherst/
Cost is an important reason to focus your search for the right school but it is not the only one. Also, keep in mind that using a website, as I did for these examples, to get cost estimates makes it easy but it should not be your only source of data. Most schools have programs to help a limited number of applicants pay for their education.
For residents of Massachusetts, I looked at two examples.
Mount Wachusett Community College which is located in Gardner MA has a 2022 in-state tuition 6,000 a year.
Books and supplies will be an additional cost of 2,000 a year.
Wachusett does not have an on-campus housing option but you can estimate the off-campus housing and meal costs at 15,000 a year.
From a cost perspective, this would be one of the cheaper options in Massachusetts for a public college.
https://www.tuitionchecker.com/mount-wachusett-community-college/
The University of Massachusetts-Amherst which is located in Amherst, MA has 2022 in-state tuition of 16,500 a year.
Books and supplies will be an additional cost of 1,000 a year.
On-campus room and board are 13,500 a year.
From a cost perspective, this would be a good value for an in-state applicant in Massachusetts for a public university.
https://www.tuitionchecker.com/university-of-massachusetts-amherst/
Cost is an important reason to focus your search for the right school but it is not the only one. Also, keep in mind that using a website, as I did for these examples, to get cost estimates makes it easy but it should not be your only source of data. Most schools have programs to help a limited number of applicants pay for their education.
Thank you for giving me advice.
Tevin
Updated
Sofia’s Answer
Hi! It depends on the school you’re going to and whether it’s public or private. Private colleges are usually more expensive.
For public schools, it also depends on if you’re going to college in or out of state. Usually the tuition will be cheaper for in-state students and around 20k; out of state around 30k.
Private schools can go up to around 70k.
For public schools, it also depends on if you’re going to college in or out of state. Usually the tuition will be cheaper for in-state students and around 20k; out of state around 30k.
Private schools can go up to around 70k.
Thank you!
Tevin