In the US, tuition fees can vary greatly depending on a number of factors including the course subject, its institution and the location of its attendance. For each state, annual tuition fees for public colleges/universities are agreed by relevant groups to correctly manage and allocate funds to key business areas.
This report takes a look at the average cost of tuition across American institutions both at present and historically, whilst also demonstrating how costs can vary from state-to-state.
- Across all states, the average cost of in-state tuition plus fees is $11,608 as of 2023.
- For 4-year courses at private (non-profit) institutions, tuition fees make up 69.06% of total degree costs ($218,004) on average.
- Private (non-profit) institutions have the highest average tuition fees for students on 2-year ($35,936) and 4-year courses ($150,564).
- For public (out-of-state) institutions, 4-year tuition fees make up 61.98% of total degree costs ($176,056) on average.
- For private (for-profit) institutions, 4-year tuition fees make up 54.41% of total degree costs ($134,112) on average.
- For public (in-state) institutions, 4-year tuition fees make up 36.48% of total degree costs ($102,828) on average.
- Public (in-state) institutions have the lowest average tuition fees for students on 2-year ($7,724) and 4-year courses ($37,508).
- In general, tuition costs at private institutions are significantly higher than at public institutions.
Average cost of tuition (4-year courses)
4-year courses provide students with a more comprehensive higher education in their field of study, coming with an increased cost of tuition. Tuition fees are separate from other expenses in higher education and only account for the cost of tuition plus any additional fees incurred due to its payment.
For the given data, total degree cost additionally includes the average cost of accommodation, books and other educational supplies. However, it does not include daily living expenses, transportation costs or student loan interest which are separate altogether.
- For 4-year courses, private (non-profit) institutions are the most expensive option for students, with an average total cost of tuition of $150,564.
- Public (in-state) institutions are the least expensive option for students, with an average total cost of tuition of $37,508.
- Private (non-profit) institutions are over 4.01 times more expensive on average than public (in-state) institutions.
| Institution type | Degree length | Tuition cost per year | Total tuition cost | Total degree cost |
| Private (non-profit) | 4-Year | $37,641 | $150,564 | $218,004 |
| Public (out-of-state) | 4-Year | $27,279 | $109,116 | $176,056 |
| Private (for-profit) | 4-Year | $18,244 | $72,976 | $134,112 |
| Public (in-state) | 4-Year | $9,377 | $37,508 | $102,828 |
A graph is given below to show the average cost of tuition for 4-year courses:
Average cost of tuition (2-year courses)
For students that are looking to achieve quicker qualifications, 2-year courses can be a more convenient option with cheaper tuition fees.
- For 2-year courses, private (non-profit) institutions are the most expensive option for students, with an average total cost of tuition of $35,936.
- Public (in-state) institutions are the least expensive option for students, with an average total cost of tuition of $7,724.
- Private (non-profit) institutions are over 4.65 times more expensive than public (in-state) institutions.
| Institution type | Degree length | Tuition cost per year | Total tuition cost | Total degree cost |
| Private (non-profit) | 2-Year | $8,984 | $35,936 | $66,540 |
| Private (for-profit) | 2-Year | $7,883 | $31,530 | $54,492 |
| Public (in-state) | 2-Year | $1,931 | $7,724 | $31,724 |
A graph is given below to show the average cost of tuition for 2-year courses:
Historical average cost of tuition
Tuition fees have continually been on the increase since the 1970s. However, the rise has not coincided with a change in demand, as the number of college applicants per year has been on the decline since 2010.
- For the given data, the average cost of tuition at private institutions is significantly higher than at public institutions.
- However, over the given period, 4-year courses at public institutions increased by the largest percentage (167.84%).
- 2-year courses at private institutions increased by the lowest percentage (70.66%).
- Average tuition fee increases were seen for each period and all institution types for the given data.
| Institution type | 2000-01 | 2005-06 | 2010-11 | 2015-16 | 2020-21 | Change |
| Private (4-Year) | $15,470 | $19,292 | $22,677 | $27,942 | $32,825 | + 112.18% |
| Private (2-Year) | $9,067 | $12,450 | $13,687 | $14,528 | $15,474 | + 70.66% |
| Public (4-Year) | $3,501 | $5,351 | $8,079 | $8,778 | $9,377 | + 167.84% |
| Public (2-Year) | $1,333 | $1,935 | $2,441 | $3,038 | $3,501 | + 162.64% |
A graph is given below to show the historical average cost of tuition per year:
Average college cost of tuition by state
Analyzing the cost of tuition at a state level, institutions within New England region states often have much higher tuition fees on average. Contrasting this, states within the South and Plains regions often have much lower fees.
- As of 2023 for public in-state courses, the state of Vermont had the highest average cost of tuition (plus fees) at $20,304.
- The state of Florida had the lowest average cost of tuition at $5,304.
- The average cost of tuition in Vermont is 3.83 times more expensive than in Florida.
- Across all states, the average cost of tuition is $11,608.
| State* | Tuition** |
| Vermont | $20,304 |
| New Hampshire | $19,824 |
| Pennsylvania | $18,500 |
| Illinois | $17,180 |
| New Jersey | $17,067 |
| Connecticut | $16,504 |
| Massachusetts | $16,317 |
| Virginia | $16,229 |
| Michigan | $15,825 |
| Rhode Island | $15,576 |
| Minnesota | $13,963 |
| Delaware | $13,182 |
| Arizona | $13,160 |
| Kentucky | $12,941 |
| Oregon | $12,852 |
| Alabama | $12,269 |
| Tennessee | $12,080 |
| Maine | $12,008 |
| Ohio | $11,769 |
| Maryland | $11,545 |
| Louisiana | $11,375 |
| Iowa | $11,140 |
| Indiana | $11,015 |
| Colorado | $10,868 |
| Kansas | $10,801 |
| Missouri | $10,687 |
| South Carolina | $10,671 |
| South Dakota | $10,671 |
| Wisconsin | $10,416 |
| Arkansas | $10,327 |
| North Dakota | $10,254 |
| Mississippi | $10,227 |
| Texas | $10,219 |
| Nebraska | $10,200 |
| Hawaii | $10,197 |
| New York | $10,063 |
| Alaska | $9,861 |
| West Virginia | $9,740 |
| California | $9,737 |
| Oklahoma | $9,519 |
| Idaho | $8,935 |
| Georgia | $8,863 |
| North Carolina | $8,590 |
| Washington | $8,519 |
| New Mexico | $8,500 |
| Montana | $8,281 |
| Utah | $7,963 |
| Nevada | $7,158 |
| District of Columbia | $7,155 |
| Wyoming | $5,642 |
| Florida | $5,304 |
(**tuition plus fees)
A graph is given below to show the states with the highest average university fees:
A graph is given below to show the states with the lowest average university fees:
University tuition fees FAQ
What are university tuition fees?
- University tuition fees are fees charged by higher educational institutions to cover key aspects of a student’s course.
- In addition, tuition fees can cover areas in relation to a student’s academic life and wellbeing, aiming to improve the overall further education experience.
Who sets university tuition fees in the US?
- In the US, tuition fees for public colleges/universities are set by different groups/bodies depending on the state.
- Although some groups have the authority to set rates independently, others need to make agreements alongside other groups to do so.
- These groups include:
- State legislature
- State board of education
- State systems of boards of higher education
- Multi-campus boards
- Single-campus boards
- Local community college boards
Where does university tuition money go?
- In general, income from university tuition fees is divided and shared across the following key areas:
- Staff salaries and benefits – to better compensate university employees and retain talent.
- Investment in campus facilities – to contribute to all areas of student and staff academic life.
- Research, teaching and scholarships – to attract, educate and allow students to develop within their chosen field.