What these numbers are
Every college that takes federal student aid reports the average net price for five family income groups: what full-time, first-time students paid for a year after grants and scholarships, for 2024-25. At public colleges the figures cover in-state students only.
Net price includes tuition, fees, housing, food, books and other costs, minus grants. Loans are not subtracted.
Why income matters so much
Colleges give most of their grant aid to lower and middle-income families. Across private nonprofit 4-year colleges, the median net price is:
| Family income | Median net price |
|---|---|
| $0 to $30,000 | $18,720 |
| $30,001 to $48,000 | $18,309 |
| $48,001 to $75,000 | $19,292 |
| $75,001 to $110,000 | $23,162 |
| Over $110,000 | $30,076 |
A college with a high sticker price can cost a lower-income family less than a public university.
Next step
These are averages. For a personal estimate, use each college's own net price calculator, linked from its page on this site. Read more in what is net price?