* Public vs. Private: Public colleges and universities are generally much cheaper than private ones.
* In-state vs. Out-of-state: Out-of-state tuition at public universities is significantly higher than in-state tuition.
* Type of institution: Community colleges are the least expensive, followed by public four-year colleges, then private four-year colleges.
* Specific program: Some programs, like engineering or medical school, can be much more expensive per credit than others like liberal arts.
Therefore, there's no single answer. However, here's a rough estimate range:
* Community College: $100 - $300 per credit hour
* Public Four-Year (In-State): $200 - $500 per credit hour
* Public Four-Year (Out-of-State): $500 - $1000+ per credit hour
* Private Four-Year: $500 - $1500+ per credit hour
These are very broad ranges, and the actual cost could be significantly higher or lower depending on the specific institution and circumstances. It's best to check the tuition and fees information directly on the college or university's website.