* The institution: Prestigious private universities will cost significantly more than public state colleges, even out of state. Ivy League schools, for example, can easily cost $80,000 or more per year. A less selective public university out of state might cost $30,000-$50,000 per year.
* The state: Out-of-state tuition rates vary widely from state to state. Some states charge considerably more for out-of-state students than others.
* Living expenses: The cost of housing, food, transportation, and other living expenses varies greatly depending on the location of the college. Major cities will be far more expensive than smaller towns.
* Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities can significantly reduce the overall cost. A student's financial need and academic merit will impact the amount of aid they receive.
In short, there's no single answer. You could spend anywhere from $20,000 to well over $80,000 per year on out-of-state tuition and living expenses. To get a realistic estimate, you need to research specific colleges you're interested in and use their net price calculators (most colleges have these on their websites). These calculators will help you estimate the total cost after factoring in financial aid.