* Public vs. Private: Public colleges are significantly cheaper than private colleges. In-state tuition at a public university will be much lower than out-of-state tuition at the same university, and both will be far less than a private institution.
* Location: The cost of attendance varies by state and even by region within a state. Colleges in high-cost-of-living areas will generally be more expensive.
* Type of Program: Engineering, medical, and other specialized programs often have higher tuition rates than general studies.
* Fees: Tuition is only one part of the cost. You also need to consider fees (e.g., student activity fees, technology fees), room and board, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses.
* Financial Aid: The actual cost a student pays is often reduced by financial aid, scholarships, and grants.
To find the cost for a specific college, you need to:
1. Choose a college: Select the specific senior college you're interested in.
2. Visit their website: Look for a "tuition and fees" or "cost of attendance" section. This information is usually found in the admissions or financial aid sections. The website may provide a net price calculator to help estimate costs after financial aid.
3. Contact the school's financial aid office: If you can't find the information online, contact the financial aid office directly. They can provide you with the most accurate cost estimate based on your individual circumstances.
In short, you need to specify the college to get a meaningful answer. 128 credit hours is roughly a four-year degree, so looking at the total cost of attendance for a four-year program at the college of your choice is the best approach.