When families think about saving for college, tuition is often the first number that comes to mind. But tuition is only one part of the total cost of attending college.
Housing, meals, books, transportation and everyday expenses can all add up. For the 2025–26 academic year, the College Board estimates that the average annual student budget ranges from $21,320 at public two-year colleges to $65,470 at private nonprofit four-year colleges.
Understanding the full cost of college can help families create a more realistic savings goal and prepare for expenses beyond the tuition bill.
Tuition is one of the largest college expenses, but the amount varies depending on the type of school and whether a student attends in-state or out-of-state.
For 2025–26, average published tuition and fees are $11,950 for public four-year colleges for in-state students, $31,880 for public four-year colleges for out-of-state students and $45,000 for private nonprofit four-year colleges.
These are published prices and don’t necessarily represent what every family will pay. Scholarships, grants and financial aid may reduce the amount a student or family needs to cover.
Think of tuition as a starting point when creating a college savings goal, not the entire picture.
For students living on campus, housing and food can make up a significant portion of the college budget. In 2025–26, the average cost of housing and food is $13,900 at public four-year colleges and $15,920 at private nonprofit four-year colleges. (College Board Research)
Students may also have costs for clothing, personal care, entertainment, dining out and other everyday expenses. While these costs can be difficult to predict years in advance, including some flexibility in a savings plan can help.
Textbooks and course materials are another expense families may want to plan for. The College Board estimates average annual costs of about $1,300 for books and supplies at four-year colleges.
Technology can also be part of the college budget. A student may need a laptop, software, accessories or other equipment for coursework. Federal Student Aid recognizes a reasonable allowance for a personal computer used for study as part of a student’s cost of attendance.
Planning for these expenses ahead of time can help keep them from becoming unexpected costs.
Getting to and from campus can add another expense. Students may need money for gas, vehicle maintenance, public transportation, flights or trips home during school breaks.
Transportation costs can vary significantly depending on where a student attends college and how far they live from home. Consider your student’s likely transportation needs when estimating the total cost.
There is no single price tag for a college education. The total cost can vary based on the type of school, location, residency and whether a student lives on campus.
For example, the average 2025–26 student budget is $30,990 for an in-state student at a public four-year college, $50,920 for an out-of-state student at a public four-year college and $65,470 at a private nonprofit four-year college.
Families can use resources such as the College Board’s Trends in College Pricing to compare average costs and begin estimating what college might cost.
Once you understand the different expenses involved, you can begin creating a college savings target.
Start by considering the types of schools your student may attend, how many years you have to save and how much you can reasonably contribute. You don’t necessarily need to save enough to cover the entire cost of college. Scholarships, grants, financial aid and other resources may help cover some expenses.
It’s also important to revisit your goal over time. College plans, costs and your family’s financial situation can all change.
Most importantly, don’t feel like you have to figure everything out at once. Starting with consistent contributions and adjusting your goal as your child gets older can help you stay on track.
When it comes to college savings, tuition is only part of the equation.
Housing, meals, books, technology, transportation and personal expenses can all contribute to the cost of the college experience. By considering these expenses early, families can create a savings goal that more accurately reflects what college may cost.
You may not know exactly where your child will attend college years in advance, and that’s OK. Start with an estimate, save consistently and revisit your plan as their education plans become clearer.
Think beyond the tuition bill. Planning for the full college experience can help your family feel more prepared for the costs ahead.
Housing, meals, books, transportation and everyday expenses can all add up. For the 2025–26 academic year, the College Board estimates that the average annual student budget ranges from $21,320 at public two-year colleges to $65,470 at private nonprofit four-year colleges.
Understanding the full cost of college can help families create a more realistic savings goal and prepare for expenses beyond the tuition bill.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition is one of the largest college expenses, but the amount varies depending on the type of school and whether a student attends in-state or out-of-state.For 2025–26, average published tuition and fees are $11,950 for public four-year colleges for in-state students, $31,880 for public four-year colleges for out-of-state students and $45,000 for private nonprofit four-year colleges.
These are published prices and don’t necessarily represent what every family will pay. Scholarships, grants and financial aid may reduce the amount a student or family needs to cover.
Think of tuition as a starting point when creating a college savings goal, not the entire picture.
Room, Board and Everyday Expenses
For students living on campus, housing and food can make up a significant portion of the college budget. In 2025–26, the average cost of housing and food is $13,900 at public four-year colleges and $15,920 at private nonprofit four-year colleges. (College Board Research)Students may also have costs for clothing, personal care, entertainment, dining out and other everyday expenses. While these costs can be difficult to predict years in advance, including some flexibility in a savings plan can help.
Books, Supplies and Technology
Textbooks and course materials are another expense families may want to plan for. The College Board estimates average annual costs of about $1,300 for books and supplies at four-year colleges.Technology can also be part of the college budget. A student may need a laptop, software, accessories or other equipment for coursework. Federal Student Aid recognizes a reasonable allowance for a personal computer used for study as part of a student’s cost of attendance.
Planning for these expenses ahead of time can help keep them from becoming unexpected costs.
Transportation
Getting to and from campus can add another expense. Students may need money for gas, vehicle maintenance, public transportation, flights or trips home during school breaks.Transportation costs can vary significantly depending on where a student attends college and how far they live from home. Consider your student’s likely transportation needs when estimating the total cost.
How Costs Vary by School and Location
There is no single price tag for a college education. The total cost can vary based on the type of school, location, residency and whether a student lives on campus.For example, the average 2025–26 student budget is $30,990 for an in-state student at a public four-year college, $50,920 for an out-of-state student at a public four-year college and $65,470 at a private nonprofit four-year college.
Families can use resources such as the College Board’s Trends in College Pricing to compare average costs and begin estimating what college might cost.
Creating a Realistic Savings Target
Once you understand the different expenses involved, you can begin creating a college savings target.Start by considering the types of schools your student may attend, how many years you have to save and how much you can reasonably contribute. You don’t necessarily need to save enough to cover the entire cost of college. Scholarships, grants, financial aid and other resources may help cover some expenses.
It’s also important to revisit your goal over time. College plans, costs and your family’s financial situation can all change.
Most importantly, don’t feel like you have to figure everything out at once. Starting with consistent contributions and adjusting your goal as your child gets older can help you stay on track.
The Takeaway
When it comes to college savings, tuition is only part of the equation.Housing, meals, books, technology, transportation and personal expenses can all contribute to the cost of the college experience. By considering these expenses early, families can create a savings goal that more accurately reflects what college may cost.
You may not know exactly where your child will attend college years in advance, and that’s OK. Start with an estimate, save consistently and revisit your plan as their education plans become clearer.
Think beyond the tuition bill. Planning for the full college experience can help your family feel more prepared for the costs ahead.