College tuition costs drop in real terms, but total expenses stay high

The College Board’s 2026 pricing report shows that, after accounting for inflation, tuition and fees at public colleges have become cheaper, with a 12% drop for in‑district students and an 8% decline for in‑state students over the past decade.

Net tuition for first‑time, full‑time in‑state students at public four‑year institutions fell to roughly $1,920 for the 2026‑27 year, down from a peak of $4,600 in 2012‑13, while private nonprofit colleges saw net tuition fall to $17,280 from $20,350 in 2016‑17.

Despite lower tuition, students still face sizable non‑tuition expenses; community‑college attendees need about $9,700 for housing and food plus $6,530 for other costs, and public four‑year students require roughly $16,350 for tuition, housing and food and an additional $5,310 for personal expenses after grant aid.

Grant assistance remains widespread, with about 70% of full‑time undergraduates receiving aid that reduces their out‑of‑pocket cost, and community‑college students have had tuition fully covered by grants since 2009.