public vs. private college
... than three times the actual figure. The same group estimated that the costs of private four-year colleges were one-third higher than they actually were. Although some colleges are expensive, costs vary from institution to institution. In addition, the availability of financial aid, which is money available from various sources to help students pay for college, can make even an expensive college affordable for a qualified student. Tuition is the amount of money that colleges charge for instruction and for the use of some facilities, such as libraries. Tuition can range from a few hundred dollars per year to more than $30,000. The least costly option for postsecondary education is typically a local community college where the average tuition and fees are under $1,700 per year. There are also many four-year colleges and universities that are relatively inexpensive. Besides tuition and fees, students at many colleges and universities pay for room, board, books, supplies, transportation, and other miscellaneous costs. "Room and board" refers to the cost of housing and food. Over the last thirty years, tuition at public 4-year colleges has increased by about 50 percent. Over three-quarters of all students in two-and four-year colleges attend State or other public colleges. Since these schools receive a large proportion of their budgets from State or local government, they can charge students who live in that state relatively low tuition. Students from other states usually pay higher tuition. Some states may allow students from neighboring states to attend college as an in-state student. Most public colleges offer financial aid. Next to the federal government, colleges are the second-largest provider of financial aid. Such aid can be one of two types: need-based aid...