Quick Answer: Tuition vs Net Price
Tuition is the listed school charge. Net price is the average cost after grants and scholarships, so it is usually better for affordability comparison.
College tuition and fees are the published school charges most families see first. They are important, but they are only part of the total cost of attendance.
Average tuition
$20,567
Average net price
$17,506
Average attendance cost
$30,258
Tuition vs Fees
Tuition is usually the instructional charge. Fees may support campus services, technology, student activities, labs, health services or program-specific costs.
Fees Can Change the Cost Picture
A low tuition school can still have meaningful mandatory fees. Compare tuition and fees with attendance cost and net price where data is available.
Use School Pages for Detail
Open a school tuition page to review tuition, net price, room and board, aid and official resources together.