What is the Price of College? NARRATOR: Although the long-term benefits of a college education are clear, the price of tuition and other costs can be daunting for students hoping to obtain a postsecondary degree. But how much does it actually cost to go to college? And which types of colleges are the most expensive? Data from the National Center for Education Statistics helps answer these key questions: What is the average total price of attending college? And, how does the average net price and average out-of-pocket price differ from the average total price of attending college? The total price of attendance includes tuition, fees, books, supplies, transportation, and living expenses. The price depends on many factors, including the type of college, and where the student lives. This video looks at the prices of four major types of colleges: public 2-year colleges, public 4-year colleges, private non-profit 4-year colleges, and for-profit colleges at all levels. In 2011-12, tuition was lowest at public 2-year colleges, averaging $2,800. Public 4-year colleges charged an average of $9,300 for tuition, which was more than public 2-year colleges and less than for-profit and nonprofit 4-year colleges. For-profit colleges charged an average of $15,400 for tuition. Tuition was highest at private nonprofit 4-year colleges, averaging $28,800. Nontuition expenses, another component of the total price of attendance, were lowest at public 2-year colleges, averaging $12,200. Public 2-year students lived with their parents at a higher rate than other undergraduates, which may have been less expensive than living in separate housing. Nontuition expenses were highest at private nonprofit 4-year colleges, averaging $14,700. Private nonprofit 4-year colleges had the largest proportion of students who lived in campus housing, which can make up a substantial portion of nontuition expenses. The total price of attendance, which includes both tuition and nontuition charges, was lowest at public 2-year colleges, averaging $15,000. By contrast, students attending private nonprofit 4-year colleges had the highest average total price of attendance at $43,500. Many full-time undergraduate students receive grant aid that reduces the price of college attendance. This net price is the amount students must pay after deducting grants from the total price. Most federal grants are awarded based on financial need, but other types of grants are available from state, private, or institutional sources. When considering grants, the net price of attendance was significantly lower than the total price for many students. At public 2-year colleges, the the average net price of attendance was $11,700. Public 4-year colleges averaged $18,000 and for-profit colleges averaged $25,200. Private nonprofit 4-year colleges had the highest average net price of attendance, at $27,900. The actual cost to students is called the out-of-pocket price. The out-of-pocket price is the total price of attendance minus grants, student loans, and any other aid. Because it does not include the subsequent cost of loan repayment, the out-of-pocket price represents the immediate cost to students and their families. Public 2-year colleges also had the lowest average out-of-pocket price for students at $9,900. Public 4-year colleges averaged $11,800, and for-profit colleges averaged $15,000. Private nonprofit 4-year colleges averaged $18,100. These data represent averages across different types of colleges in different parts of the country. Many colleges have tuitions that are much lower, or much higher, than these averages. The College Navigator feature on the NCES website provides information about each college across the country, including total price and net price, by family income level.This search tool enables students and their parents to review many important criteria in the college selection process, including price, majors, campus size and location, graduation rates, campus crime, and admission rates. Visit nces.ed.gov to view the full report and learn more about the price of college.