Education: College Costs

Parents are reaching deeper into their pockets this fall than ever before to pay the rapidly increasing costs of sending children away to college. Indeed, the College Entrance Examination Board estimates that the average total costs at a four-year public college will be $2,679 this year, a 12% jump from 1974. The average at a private college: $4,391, a 9% increase.

At many top-level private schools, the bill will be much higher, often climbing above $6,000 a year (see chart). Bennington College has the dubious distinction of being the most expensive undergraduate institution...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!