On October 29, 2008, the College Board released college cost figures for the 2008/2009 academic year in its Trends in College Pricing Report. Not surprisingly, costs went up in every category. Here are the highlights: To view the 2008 Trends in College Pricing report, Download CollegeCost2008 .
Public colleges (in-state students):
- Tuition and fees increased an average of 6.4%
- Room and board increased an average of 5.2%
- Total average cost for 2008/2009: $18,326
Public colleges (out-of-state students):
- Tuition and fees increased an average of 5.2%
- Room and board increased an average of 5.2%
- Total average cost for 2008/2009: $29,193
Private colleges:
- Tuition and fees increased an average of 5.9%
- Room and board increased an average of 4.8%
- Total average cost for 2008/2009: $37,390
"Total average cost" includes tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and other miscellaneous costs.
The College Board stated, however, that average cost is not necessarily representative of what most college students pay. The Board noted that there is considerable variation in price among institutions, and that almost two-thirds of undergraduate students enrolled full-time receive grants that reduce the actual price of college.
Comments