The College Board's 2026 report on college pricing shows inflation-adjusted tuition and fees have declined at public institutions over the past decade. Between 2016–17 and 2026–27, in-district students at public colleges saw a 12 percent drop, while in-state students at public four-year universities experienced an 8 percent decline. Tuition and fees remained flat at private nonprofit colleges.
The average sticker price for the 2026–27 academic year stands at $12,290 for in-state students at public four-year colleges and $32,730 for out-of-state students. Private nonprofit colleges average $46,350.
Most students pay less than the published price. About 70 percent of full-time undergraduate students receive grant aid, according to Jessica Howell, College Board's vice president of research. After accounting for aid, first-time full-time in-state students at public four-year institutions paid an average of $1,920 in net tuition and fees in 2026–27, down from a peak of $4,600 in 2012–13. Private college students saw net tuition and fees fall from $20,350 in 2016–17 to $17,280 this year. Community college students have received enough grant aid to cover tuition and fees since 2009.
Beyond tuition, students face other expenses. Community college students need $9,700 for housing and food after grant aid, plus $6,530 for books, supplies, transportation and personal expenses. Public four-year college students need about $16,350 for tuition, fees, housing and food after aid, and another $5,310 for personal expenses. Private college students face an average of $38,540 after grant aid.