* Public vs. Private: Private colleges and universities are significantly more expensive than public institutions. Expect to pay many tens of thousands more annually for private schools.
* In-state vs. Out-of-state: Public universities charge significantly higher tuition for out-of-state students.
* Type of institution: The cost of attending a prestigious university will generally be higher than attending a less selective one.
* Living expenses: Room and board, books, supplies, and transportation all contribute significantly to the overall cost and vary greatly by location.
Therefore, there's no single "average" cost. However, here's a rough estimate range for the 2023-2024 academic year:
* Public, in-state: $10,000 - $35,000 per year (total of $40,000 - $140,000 for four years)
* Public, out-of-state: $25,000 - $50,000+ per year (total of $100,000 - $200,000+ for four years)
* Private: $35,000 - $70,000+ per year (total of $140,000 - $280,000+ for four years)
These are just broad estimates. The actual cost will depend heavily on the specific school and the student's individual circumstances. To get a more accurate cost estimate, you should research the specific colleges and universities you are interested in and use their net price calculators. These calculators take into account factors like financial aid and scholarships to give you a better understanding of your potential out-of-pocket expenses.