Hey everyone, I'm a junior right now and just trying to wrap my head around college costs. I know private schools can be pretty expensive, but I was surprised to hear that some public, state schools can also have steep tuitions. Does anyone know which state's colleges are notorious for having the highest tuitions? I'd appreciate any insight or experiences shared!
On average, the state with the most expensive in-state tuition for public schools is Vermont. According to the College Board's "Trends in College Pricing 2020" report, the average annual tuition and fees for a four-year, public college in Vermont is about $16,600 for in-state students. But please remember, this is the average tuition and can vary greatly amongst colleges in the state.
However, being the most expensive state for in-state students doesn't mean Vermont has the highest tuition for out-of-state students. In many states, the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition can be quite significant. For example, in Michigan, the average in-state tuition might be around $14,800, but the average out-of-state tuition is approximately $41,300.
Keep in mind though, the list price of tuition is not always what you'll end up paying, especially at public universities where financial aid can significantly reduce the cost for students from low- to moderate-income families. It's always worth exploring financial aid opportunities and running any potential schools through a net price calculator to get a more accurate estimate for what you'll pay per year.
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