Tuition and fees at universities are often the single largest consideration when choosing a college and can represent up to two-thirds of a student's total budget. There are, however, a wide selection of universities, with varying degrees of affordability.

Private

Average costs of tuition and fees at four-year private universities were around $22,000 per year, according to a College Board report. The majority of university's published fees ranged from $12,000 to $30,000 or higher.

Public

Average tuition and fees at public universities are significantly lower, averaging around $6,000 per year. Nearly all schools' published tuition and fees were between $3,000 and $12,000.

State Residency

Residency plays a significant factor in determining the cost of tuition and fees at public universities. Tuition and fees for out-of-state students approach levels comparable with private universities.

International Students

In addition to paying out-of-state tuition and fees at public universities, international students might be subject to additional fees at some universities. These fees are typically put toward services that benefit international students, such as help obtaining documents or transitioning to life in the United States.

Considerations

The actual amount paid by students or parents can vary significantly depending on what type of aid package they receive. In the 2006-2007 school year, students at private universities received an average of $9,000 in aid while students at public universities received around $3,000.

Source:

College Board: Trends in College Pricing

UNLV: Inernational Student Fees

University of Iowa: International Student Fee

More Information:

Chabot College: Fees & Tuition

Rutgers: Tuition & Fees