* Public vs. Private: Private colleges are significantly more expensive than public colleges.
* In-state vs. Out-of-state: Attending a public university in your home state is much cheaper than attending one out of state.
* Type of Institution: A small liberal arts college will typically cost differently than a large state university or a specialized technical school.
* Room and Board: These costs can vary widely depending on location and the type of housing chosen.
* Books and Supplies: These costs can add up significantly over four years.
* Personal Expenses: This includes things like transportation, food (beyond the meal plan), entertainment, and personal care.
Therefore, there's no single answer. A rough estimate for *public in-state* tuition and fees could range from $20,000 to $40,000 for four years (though this could be significantly less or more depending on the state and the specific university). For *private colleges*, the cost could easily exceed $200,000 or more for four years.
To get an accurate estimate, you need to research the specific colleges you are interested in and look at their published cost of attendance. These figures usually break down tuition, fees, room, board, and other expenses separately. Many college websites have net price calculators that can help you estimate your costs based on your family's financial situation.