* Public vs. Private: Public colleges and universities are significantly cheaper than private ones. Expect to pay much less at a state school than at a prestigious private institution.
* In-state vs. Out-of-state: Public universities charge significantly higher tuition for students who are not residents of the state.
* Type of program: Some programs (like engineering or medical school) are often more expensive than others (like liberal arts).
* Room and board: This cost can vary widely based on location, housing type (dorm, apartment, off-campus), and meal plan.
* Books and supplies: This is a smaller but still significant expense.
* Fees: Colleges charge various fees for things like student activities, technology, and health services.
Rough Estimates (US):
* Public In-State: A semester could range from $4,000 to $12,000+ (tuition alone), with room and board adding another $5,000 to $15,000+.
* Public Out-of-State: A semester could range from $10,000 to $25,000+ (tuition alone), with room and board adding a similar amount.
* Private: A semester could range from $15,000 to $30,000+ (tuition alone), and room and board would add another substantial sum.
To find the actual cost for a specific college:
You need to visit the college's website and look for their "tuition and fees" or "cost of attendance" information. This information is usually broken down by semester and includes tuition, fees, room, board, and sometimes books and supplies. You can then create a more accurate budget for yourself.