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Published and Net Tuition Fees, by Sector, 1993-94 to 2013-14

August 18, 2014
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The average published price, also known as the sticker price, has more than doubled at four-year public colleges over the past 20 years, in numbers adjusted for inflation. At private institutions, the published price went up nearly 70 percent. Average net prices, the amount students actually pay, generally dipped during and following the Great Recession of 2007-9 because the federal government poured additional money into financial aid. After paying tuition and fees, students at community colleges typically had money left over to help cover living expenses.

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The average published price, also known as the sticker price, has more than doubled at four-year public colleges over the past 20 years, in numbers adjusted for inflation. At private institutions, the published price went up nearly 70 percent. Average net prices, the amount students actually pay, generally dipped during and following the Great Recession of 2007-9 because the federal government poured additional money into financial aid. After paying tuition and fees, students at community colleges typically had money left over to help cover living expenses.

Note: All figures are in 2013 constant dollars and are weighted based on full-time undergraduate enrollment. Public-college tuition and fees reflect charges for in-state students. Net tuition and fees are the published tuition minus the average amount of financial aid provided to students. One sector, private for-profit colleges, is not included in the data set.

Source: College Board

We welcome your thoughts and questions about this article. Please email the editors or submit a letter for publication.
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