Exactly how much does college cost?
Well, that depends on what type of school you want to attend. An Ivy League school will likely be your most expensive option, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get an excellent education at a more affordable college.
Let’s take a look at the differences between costs of public and private colleges in 2015 and in 2033 – a span of eighteen years.
Based on average tuition and fees for 2014-2015 as reported by The College Board® and assumed to increase 5% annually. The figures above do not include other costs your child will incur as a college student, such as room and board, books, supplies, equipment, and transportation. These additional expenses can increase your child’s cost of attending college by a substantial amount.
What is the college inflation rate?
Public and private schools each typically have their own college inflation rate, which measures the annual increase in tuition and fees.
According to The College Board, the average 2014-2015 tuition increase was 3.7 percent at private colleges, and 2.9 percent at public universities. However, looking back at the last decade, the 10-year historical rate of increase is approximately 5 percent.
These figures are substantially higher than the general inflation rate, and also higher than the average increase in personal incomes. That’s why it’s so critical to begin saving today.