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.
Room and board costs can change the real affordability of a college. A school with lower tuition may still be expensive if housing and food costs are high.
Average tuition
$20,567
Average net price
$17,506
Average attendance cost
$30,258
What Room and Board Means
Room usually means housing and board usually means meals. Some schools report on-campus estimates, while commuter students may face different living costs.
Compare Room and Board With Attendance Cost
Attendance cost combines tuition, fees and living-related estimates. Net price then helps show the average after grants and scholarships.
Location Matters
City pages can help compare nearby schools where off-campus housing, transportation and local cost of living may be similar.