In which state is college most expensive?

I'm in the process of planning my college applications and, as much as I hate to consider it, cost is a factor. So, I was curious, are there certain states where college tends to be more expensive on average?

Sure, it's really important to consider costs in your college application process! The average cost of tuition can vary state by state, as each region has different tuition policies and cost of living expenses—these factors can significantly impact the overall cost of your education.

On average, according to data from the College Board, New Hampshire and Vermont typically have the highest in-state tuition rates at public four-year institutions. This doesn't necessarily mean that colleges in these states will be the most expensive for you—it's worth noting that in-state tuition can vary dramatically based on whether or not you're a resident of the state where the institution is located. So colleges in New Hampshire or Vermont could potentially be more affordable for in-state students, despite these overall high averages.

For out-of-state tuition, the costs are usually much higher. Again, Vermont tends to have the highest out-of-state tuition rates, closely followed by Michigan and Virginia.

Now, if we consider private colleges, the cost can drastically increase. States with a higher concentration of private universities, like Massachusetts (home to many Ivy League and other prestigious institutions), might be quite costly.

Remember, these are merely averages and the actual price can vary quite a lot depending on the specific college and your family's financial situation. Also, don't forget about financial aid, scholarships, and grants—these resources can substantially lower the price tag of schooling. So, don't let sticker price alone deter you from applying somewhere! Consider running a school's Net Price Calculator to get a more accurate idea of what you may be expected to pay.