In the past, things seemed simpler: go to college, get a degree, graduate, and BAM! Just like magic, you’ve got a job and you’re on the path to your career. Okay, maybe it has never been quite that easy; but these days, with all of the difficulty graduates and non-graduates alike are facing, it certainly seems like it.
The problem is, college is expensive and these days, it doesn’t even necessarily guarantee a job. For example, in the US, public four-year colleges are an average of about $12,000 per year for out of state students; private colleges are even more, at about $27,000 per year, and 2-year schools run around $3,000 per year in tuition and fees.
So is a college education really worth the cost?
Well, see for yourself. This infographic compares the costs of degrees, average wages, their ability to fair through a recession.
So, what do you think: are these schools really worth the costs? Comment below and share your thoughts!
INFOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: These numbers reflect the 2010-2011 school year and are approximations…
- Public four-year colleges charge, on average, $7,605 per year in tuition and fees for in-state students. The average surcharge for full-time out-of-state students at these institutions is $11,990.
- Private nonprofit four-year colleges charge, on average, $27,293 per year in tuition and fees.
- Public two-year colleges charge, on average, $2,713 per year in tuition and fees.
Of course, that’s not the total price. You still have to live somewhere, eat, buy books and supplies, and do your laundry…
COSTS:
PUBLIC 4-YEAR UNIVERSITIES
More expensive: Pennsylvania State University
TUITION COST (PER YEAR)
In-state: $15, 250
Out of state: $27,114
BOOKS AND SUPPLIES: $1,456
LIVING ARRANGEMENT
On Campus room and board: $9,054
Other: $3,924
TOTAL EXPENSES
In-state (on campus): $29, 684
Out of state (on campus): $41,548
Less expensive: Concord University
TUITION COST (PER YEAR)
In-state- on campus: $14,844
Out of state- on campus: $20,436
In-state – off campus: $5,638
Out-of-state- on campus: $11,230
PRIVATE 4-YEAR UNIVERSITIES (not for profit)
More expensive: Bates College- Maine
TUITION COST (PER YEAR)
In-state or Out: $53,300
BOOKS AND SUPPLIES: $800
LIVING ARRANGEMENT
On Campus room and board: *included in tuition cost
Other: $1,250
TOTAL EXPENSES
In-state or out-of-state (on campus): $55,350
Less expensive: Coker College
TUITION COST (PER YEAR)
In-state or Out: $19,368
Room: $3,070
Board: $3,170
Activity Fee: $220
Accident & Basic sickness insurance: $110
Academic Technology Fee: $270
TOTAL EXPENSES
In-state or out-of-state (on campus): $26,208
PRIVATE FOR PROFIT 2-YEAR (Vocational Schools)
More expensive: Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts- Orlando
TUITION COST (PER YEAR)
In-state & Out: $39,550
BOOKS AND SUPPLIES: $3,695
LIVING ARRANGEMENT
Off Campus room and board: $6,559
Other: $4,235
TOTAL EXPENSES
In-state & Out: $54,039
Less expensive: Ashford University (online)
Tuition: $390 per credit hour, or about $1,000 per course, plus fees (see below)
Straighterline.com
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