* Public vs. Private: Public universities (like UT Austin) are generally much cheaper than private universities (like St. Edward's University or Concordia University Texas).
* In-state vs. Out-of-state: For public universities, in-state tuition is significantly lower than out-of-state tuition.
* Type of Program: Tuition varies across different programs (e.g., engineering is often more expensive than humanities).
* Living Expenses: Austin's cost of living is relatively high, impacting housing, food, transportation, and other expenses. On-campus housing is usually more expensive than off-campus options, but offers more convenience.
* Financial Aid and Scholarships: Financial aid packages and scholarships can dramatically reduce the overall cost.
To give you a general idea (and these are rough estimates that can vary significantly):
* Public University (like UT Austin, in-state): Tuition might range from $10,000 to $30,000 per year or more, *excluding* room and board, books, and other living expenses. Out-of-state tuition would be considerably higher, potentially doubling or tripling the cost.
* Private University: Tuition could range from $30,000 to $60,000 or more per year, *excluding* room and board, books, and other living expenses.
To get accurate cost estimates:
You should visit the financial aid and tuition websites of the specific colleges you're interested in. These websites will provide detailed breakdowns of tuition, fees, room and board costs, and financial aid opportunities. You can also use the "Net Price Calculator" tool often available on college websites, which will give you a personalized estimate based on your family's financial situation.