A college diploma may be the most expensive piece of paper you ever buy--and it's getting pricier. The College Board last week reported that tuition and fees at public and private four-year colleges and universities this academic year are up about 6% from last year. Over the past five years, the average price has risen a parent-paralyzing 35%. But don't think it's not worth the expense: according to Census Bureau statistics published last week, a college graduate typically earns about $23,000 more a year than someone who has only finished high school. Many of the best college deals can still be found at public institutions. Here's a look at in-state rates around the country. •WASH. $5,617 •VT. $9,800 •UTAH $3,891 •TEXAS $5,940 •TENN. $4,974 •S.D. $4,940 •PA. $9,041 •ORE. $5,576 •OKLA. $4,246 •OHIO $9,357 •N.D. $5,509 •N.Y. $5,046 •N.M. $3,985 •NEV. $3,651 •NEB. $5,224 •MONT. $5,255 •MO. $6,531 •MISS. $4,455 •MINN. $7,495 •MICH. $7,661 •LA. $3,796 •KY. $5,758 •KANS. $5,149 •IOWA $5,900 •IND. $6,555 •ILL. $8,133 •IDAHO $4,159 •HAWAII $4,257 •GA. $3,913 •FLA. $3,336 •COLO. $4,646 •CALIF. $4,560 •ARK. $5,298 •ARIZ. $4,676 •ALASKA $4,195 •ALA. $4,915 •WYO $3,515 •WIS. $6,044 •S.C. $7,916 •N.C. $4,063 •MASS. $7,585 •N.H. $9,114 •MAINE $6,583 •R.I. $6,756 •N.J.$9,298 •CONN. $7,140 •DEL.$7,410 •MD. $7,241 •D.C. $3,210 •VA. $6,558 •W.VA. $4,152
HAWAII
The average tuition fee jumped higher in Hawaii than in any other state--up 22% from last year
FLORIDA
Due partly to the second-lowest prices in the U.S., 89% of college-bound students stay in state
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Despite recent major hikes, the average tuition of $3,210 is still the lowest in the nation
VIRGINIA
Average tuition is a middle-of-the-road $6,558. But a year at the highly rated University of Virginia costs $8,035
NEW YORK
Price tags at New York's public colleges rose less than 1%, the lowest in the U.S. The state also gave the most need-based grant aid ($1,300 per student) in '04-'05