Average college tuition is a useful benchmark, but it should not be the only number in a college cost search. In our College Scorecard, the national average out-of-state tuition is $20,567 and the average net price is $17,506 among schools with reported data.
Average tuition
$20,567
Average net price
$17,506
Average attendance cost
$30,258
What Average College Tuition Includes
Tuition usually means the instructional charge for enrollment. It may not include mandatory fees, housing, meals, books, transportation or personal expenses. That is why a school with moderate tuition can still have a higher total attendance cost.
Why Net Price Matters More Than Average Tuition
Net price estimates the average cost after grants and scholarships. Families comparing affordability should read tuition next to net price, attendance cost, Pell Grant rate and federal loan rate.
How to Compare Average Tuition by Location
Start with the state tuition pages, then open city pages and school detail pages. State residency, public/private control and local housing costs can change the final cost picture.