As the job outlook continues to look murky for recent college graduates the costs of tuition and fees for both public and private universities are up, though not too substantially, according to the latest figures released by The College Board Wednesday, as reported by the Associated Press.
In-state tuition at four-year public universities increased $400, or 5 percent, this fall bringing the average tuition to $8,655, and total expenses for students living on campus, including room and board which also rose at a comparable rate, to $17,860.
Tuition and fees for private colleges rose by $780, including room and board, bringing the total to an average of $39,518.
The good news is that only one-third of students pay full tuition at the state schools, with the remaining costs covered by grants and tax credits. The adjusted amount a student pays is dramatically lower, $2,910 for tuition and $12,210 for tuition, room and board.
The typical private college student pays $23,840, the College Board reported.
In general, state budget cuts are blamed for the higher tuition.
The Board also found that although prices were up this year, they rose at barely half the rate of the past two years. Enrollment has leveled off, with federal aid declining slightly
About 57 percent of 2010-2011 bachelor's degree recipients graduated with debt, which averaged $23,800, the Board reported.
The College Board is a not-for-profit organization that promotes education access and opportunity.
Join the Conversation