POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION FINANCE

1. Average Tuition

Definition:  This data reflect composite averages of published, in-state, tuition and fees by public, four-year institutions of higher learning. 

Significance:  Although tuition and fees represent only apportion of the total cost of a higher education, they represent that portion of the cost to be borne directly by the student and the student’s family.  Higher tuition demands more out-of-pocket expenditures by the student and/or greater reliance on various forms of student aid, including scholarships, loans, and grants.

HISTORICAL/TREND ANALYSIS, Average, Published  In-State Tuition and Fees at Public, Four-Year  Institutions of Higher Learning

Sources:  College Board 2007-08  Data    2006-07    2004-05 and 2005-06     2002-03 and 2003-04

Selected State Rankings, 2007-08 (“1” represents state with highest average tuition)

      Rev. 09.16.2008