College Costs
When people talk about the cost of college, they generally include tuition, mandatory fees, room, board (food), books, transportation and other supplies. You may be able to control some of these costs, like how much you pay for housing and food. Some of the costs are out of your control, like how much tuition goes up every year.
You should also know that community and technical colleges typically cost less than four-year colleges and universities. And four-year state colleges and universities usually cost less than four-year private colleges and universities. Look at the chart below.
Estimated College Costs in Washington 2003–2004
Two-year community and technical colleges:
Tuition and mandatory fees: $2,150/year
Living costs (transportation, housing, food, books and supplies): $9,775/year
TOTAL: $11,925/year
Four-year public regional colleges and universities
Tuition and mandatory fees: $3,650/year
Living costs (transportation, housing, food, books, and supplies): $9,775/year
TOTAL: $13,425/year
Four-year public research colleges and universities
Tuition and mandatory fees: $4,850/year
Living costs (transportation, housing, food, books, and supplies): $9,775/year
TOTAL: $14,575/year
Four-year private colleges and universities
Tuition and mandatory fees: $19,300/year
Living costs (transportation, housing, food, books, and supplies): $9,775/year
TOTAL: $29,075/year