What’s holding you back?

Most students pay far less than the high prices talked about in the media.

Good news on college prices
Check out these facts about yearly tuition and fees:

• At public two-year colleges, the average price tag is $2,713.*
• As for four-year colleges, almost 150 have a price tag of $5,000 or less for in-state students.†
• Nearly half of full-time four-year students attend a college with a price tag that’s less than $9,000 per year.*

Most students pay less than full price
Last year, the average student received almost $11,500 in financial aid. More than half of that money was in grant form. Grants do not have to be repaid. Almost two out of three full-time undergrads received grants.*

Focus on fit, not price
You might be surprised at what you can afford. A school that lists high tuition and fees could cost you the same or less than a lower priced school. Why?

• You may be eligible for more financial aid at colleges with higher price tags.
• Most higher-priced colleges give students more grant aid.

Instead of comparing colleges by their price tags, figure out which are the best fit for you, especially as you start your search.

Starting at a two-year college
With planning, patience and determination, you can attend a two-year college, transfer your credits and earn a bachelor’s degree at a four-year college. Students who do this can save on tuition; and they’re as well prepared academically as students who start out at a four-year college.

Like four-year colleges, two-year colleges offer a wide variety of majors, activities and services. For example, about one-third of two-year colleges have honors programs. Visit College MatchMaker to find two-year colleges that are right for you.


* The College Board’s Trends in College Pricing 2010 and Trends in Student Aid 2010 (All price and aid figures refer to undergraduate students)
† The College Board’s Annual Survey of Colleges