Average Cost per Credit Hour & College Class: 2023 Data

Report Highlights. The average public, 4-year university charges in-state residents $390 per credit hour. Most college courses are worth 3 credit hours, meaning one (1) college class typically costs $1,170.

Including room & board expenses, the cost is closer to $876 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students at public 4-year colleges pay $1,126 per credit hour; including room and board, the cost is closer to $1,284 per credit.
The average private 4-year university charges $1,365 per credit hour or $4,095 per course.
The average local community college student pays a little over $141 per credit hour or $423 per course.
Factoring in student loan interest and the cost of lost income, the ultimate cost of the average bachelor’s degree exceeds $2,132 per credit hour or $6,397 per course.

*Due to rounding, credit hour : course cost may not equal 1.0 : 3.0.

Bar Graph: Cost Per Credit Hour at Postsecondary Institutions from public 4-year (residents pay $390, nonresidents pay $1,126), public 2-year (residents pay $141, nonresidents pay $339), private 4-year nonprofit ($1,492), private 2-year nonprofit ($749), private 4-year for-profit ($623), and private 2-year for-profit ($657) colleges

College Cost Per Credit Hour

When reporting the cost per credit hour, academic institutions refer only to charges applied to tuition and fees. This does not include books and supplies.

The average cost of tuition per credit hour at any public postsecondary institution is $309; the average cost per course is $926.
The average total cost per credit hour at any public postsecondary institution is $785; the average cost per course is $2,355.
The average total cost per credit hour at any public postsecondary institution increased 2.5% year-over-year (YoY).
The average cost of tuition per credit hour at any private postsecondary institution is $1,351; the cost per course is $4,052.
The average total cost per credit hour at any private postsecondary institution is $1,899; the cost per course is $5,696.
The average total cost per credit hour at any private postsecondary institution increased 2.8% YoY.
Private, nonprofit postsecondary institutions (2-year and 4-year) charge an average $1,486 tuition per credit hour; for-profit institutions charge an average $625 tuition per credit hour.
Private, nonprofit postsecondary institutions (2-year and 4-year) charge an average total $2,034 per credit hour; for-profit institutions charge an average total $1,148 per credit hour.
The average total cost per credit hour at any private, nonprofit postsecondary institution increased 2.9% YoY.
The average total cost per credit hour at any private, for-profit postsecondary institution increased 1.9% YoY.

Total Cost Per Credit Hour: Public 4-Year Institutions
Expense	Cost	YoY Change
Tuition, In-State	$390	2.7%
Tuition, Out-of-State	$1,126	2.4%
Books & Supplies	$51	-5.7%
Room & Board	$487	2.1%
Other	$171	2.4%
Total Cost, In-State	$1,099	2.1%
Total Cost, Out-of-State	$1,835	2.3%

4-Year College Cost Per Credit Hour

In general, 4-year colleges are more expensive than 2-year institutions, such as community and technical colleges.

The average cost of tuition per credit hour at any 4-year institution is $694.
The average cost of tuition per credit hour at any 4-year institution increased 2.0% YoY.
The average total cost per credit hour at a any 4-year institution is $1,199.
The average total cost per credit hour at any 4-year institution increased 2.3% YoY.
The average cost of tuition per credit hour at a public, 4-year institution is $390.
The average cost of tuition per credit hour at a public, 4-year institution increased 1.6% YoY.
The average total cost per credit hour at a public, 4-year institution is $876.
The average total cost per credit hour at a public, 4-year institution increased 2.1% YoY.
For out-of-state students, public universities charge $1,126 in tuition per credit hour.
The average cost of tuition per credit hour for out-of-state students at a public, 4-year institution increased 2.4% YoY.
For out-of-state students, public universities cost a total of $1,613 per credit hour.
The average total cost per credit hour for out-of-state students at a public, 4-year institution increased 2.5% YoY.
$1,365 is the average cost of tuition per credit hour at any private, 4-year institution.
The average cost of tuition per credit hour for students at a private, 4-year institution increased 2.8% YoY.
$1,914 is the average total cost per credit hour at any private, 4-year institution.
The average total cost per credit hour for students at a private, 4-year institution increased 2.8% YoY.
$1,492 is the average cost of tuition per credit hour at a private, nonprofit 4-year institution.
$2,040 is the average total cost per credit hour at a private, nonprofit 4-year institution.
The average total cost per credit hour for students at a private, nonprofit 4-year institution increased 3.0% YoY.
$623 is the average cost of tuition per credit hour at a private, for-profit 4-year institution.
The average cost of tuition per credit hour for students at a private, for-profit 4-year institution increased 1.6% YoY.
$1,154 is the average total cost per credit hour at a private, for-profit 4-year institution.
The average total cost per credit hour for students at a private, for-profit 4-year institution increased 4.2% YoY.

Total Cost Per Credit Hour: Private 4-Year Institutions
Expense	Nonprofit	For-Profit
Tuition	$1,492	$623
Books & Supplies	$51	$44
Room & Board	$536	$379
Other	$116	$214
Total Cost	$2,195	$1,260

2-Year College Cost Per Credit Hour

Two-year institutions often specialize in trade programs, and students are more likely to be local.

For in-state students at any public, 2-year institution or community college, $141 is the average cost of tuition per credit hour.
Community colleges charge out-of-state students an average of $339 in tuition per credit hour.
Nonprofit, 2-year institutions cost $749 per credit hour; for-profit institutions charge $657.

Total Cost Per Credit Hour: Public 2-Year†
Tuition	$141
Books & Supplies	$61
Room & Board	$296
Other	$142
Total Cost	$640

†In-state/in-district where applicable.

Additional Expenses

Including books and supplies, the cost per credit hour at any institution naturally increases. Other common expenses include room & board, and daily living expenses.

Books and supplies at the average postsecondary institution, public and private, cost $61 per credit hour.
Room & board at postsecondary institutions cost $307 per credit hour.
Other miscellaneous expenses cost the average postsecondary student the equivalent of $140 per credit hour.

Total Cost Per Credit Hour: Private 2-Year
Expense	Nonprofit	For-Profit
Tuition	$749	$657
Books & Supplies	$40	$60
Room & Board	$492	$371
Other	$106	$47
Total Cost	$1,387	$1,135

Line Graph: Historical Average Cost of College Per Credit Hour, Selected Years from 1963 to 2020

Historical College Costs

College and related costs have increased substantially over the last six decades even after adjusting for inflation.

In 1963, the average postsecondary institution charged $21.00 per credit hour or $187 per credit hour when adjusted for inflation.
The average cost per credit hour at a public university was $10.00 in 1963; adjusted for inflation, that’s $88.90 per credit hour.
Community colleges in 1963 charged $4.00 per credit hour, or $35.56 when adjusted for inflation.
Private 4-year institutions charged $42.00 per credit hour, or $373 when adjusted for inflation.

Line Graph: Historical College Cost Per Credit Hour, values adjusted for currency inflation, selected years 1963 to 2021

Cost Per Credit Hour by State

Statistics indicate that enrolling in a public institution as a nonresident or out-of-state student may be more expensive than attending a private school.

Among public, 4-year institutions, Vermont schools charge the highest rates per credit hour; in-state students pay $553 while out-of-state students pay $1,332 per credit hour.
New Hampshire’s community colleges are the most expensive for residents, charging $253 per credit hour.
Tennessee’s community colleges charge the most to out-of-state students at $553 per credit hour.
Florida public universities are the most affordable for residents at $148 per credit hour.
District of Columbia charges the lowest rates to out-of-state students at $414 per credit hour.
California community colleges charge the lowest rates at $42.37 per credit hour.
New York charges the most for room and board at a combined $496 per credit hour.
Utah’s public insttutions are the least expensive at the equivalent of $255 per credit hour.
Idaho’s private 4-year institutions have the most affordable room and board.
Private 4-year institutions in Massachusetts charge teh most for room and board at $524 per credit hour.

Average Cost Per Credit Hour at Public 4-Year Colleges
Listed Most to Least Expensive In-State Tuition
State	In-State	Out-Of-State
Vermont	$553	$1,332
New Hampshire	$544	$982
Pennsylvania	$494	$951
Illinois	$475	$951
New Jersey	$465	$956
Virginia	$447	$1,163
Massachusetts	$443	$1,032
South Carolina	$434	$1,072
Connecticut	$432	$1,124
Michigan	$430	$1,195
Rhode Island	$419	$1,000
Minnesota	$379	$759
Kentucky	$356	$848
Arizona	$356	$879
Delaware	$354	$1,014
Oregon	$343	$1,031
Alabama	$338	$859
Ohio	$336	$815
Iowa	$332	$817
Hawaii	$332	$1,053
Maine	$331	$925
Tennessee	$326	$869
Maryland	$317	$896
Colorado	$313	$1,005
Louisiana	$312	$740
Indiana	$308	$970
National Average	$307	$879
Kansas	$298	$777
South Dakota	$292	$416
Wisconsin	$290	$835
Texas	$289	$834
Missouri	$285	$664
Nebraska	$282	$717
Alaska	$280	$815
Arkansas	$280	$694
Mississippi	$278	$665
New York	$273	$736
California	$271	$1,047
North Dakota	$270	$519
West Virginia	$267	$733
Oklahoma	$262	$718
Idaho	$253	$795
Georgia	$244	$758
North Carolina	$239	$766
Washington	$235	$974
Montana	$232	$816
New Mexico	$230	$612
Utah	$224	$719
District of Columbia	$196	$414
Nevada	$195	$704
Wyoming	$153	$476
Florida	$148	$615

Cost Per Credit Hour in Alabama

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $338 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $859 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $537 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $159 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $320 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $185 and $143 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $167 and $169, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $44.40 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $50.77 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in Alaska

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $280 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $815 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $644 per credit hour.
Information about 2-year institutions is unavailable.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $208 and $165 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $124 and $125 per credit hour, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $44.73 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $26.67 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in Arizona

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $711 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,759 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $847 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $144 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $568 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $240 and $175 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $178 and $146, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $36.53 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $44.57 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in Arkansas

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $280 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $694 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $773 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $110 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $157 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $177 and $143 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $142 and $138, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $42.57 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $44.53 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in California

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $271 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,047 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,184 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $42.37 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $262 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $272 and $213 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $266 and $212, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $55.83 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $57.63 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in Colorado

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $313 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,005 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $785 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $122 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $266 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $211 and $205 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $249 and $175, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $46.43 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $61.83 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in Connecticut

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $432 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,124 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,394 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $148 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $440 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $242 and $200 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $284 and $207, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $35.77 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $42.97 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in Delaware

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $354 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,014 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $492 per credit hour.
Information about 2-year institutions is unavailable.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $255 and $173 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $201 and $197, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $33.47 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $53.33 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in D.C.

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $196 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $414 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,438 per credit hour.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $40.00 per credit hour at 4-year institutions.
Additional information regarding 2-year institutions and other expenses is unavailable.

Cost Per Credit Hour in Florida

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $148 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $615 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $877 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $84.00 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $304 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $206 and $148 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $231 and $173, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $49.23 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $38.47 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in Georgia

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $244 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $758 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $961 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $97.00 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $268 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $212 and $145 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $232 and $191, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $45.87 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $42.77 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in Hawaii

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $332 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,053 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $570 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $105 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $276 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $202 and $196 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $196 and $227, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $40.20 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $33.13 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in Idaho

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $253 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $795 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $205 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $112 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $266 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $135 and $150 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $81.20 and $153, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $39.83 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $33.33 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in Illinois

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $475 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $951 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,115 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $132 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $383 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $203 and $171 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $251 and $186, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $ per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $ per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in Indiana

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $308 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $970 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,113 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $146 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $280 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $185 and $166 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $207 and $193, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $44.10 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $36.33 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in Iowa

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $332 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $817 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,127 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $171 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $215 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $190 and $148 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $156 and $162, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $33.50 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $49.93 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in Kansas

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $298 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $777 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $752 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $115 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $150 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $169 and $154 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $147 and $157, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $33.20 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $36.50 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in Kentucky

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $356 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $848 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $922 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $142 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $481 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $201 and $153 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $155 and $159, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $34.37 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $33.33 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in Louisiana

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $312 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $740 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,261 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $138 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $268 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $190 and $138 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $244 and $196, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $44.30 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $41.40 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in Maine

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $331 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $925 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,299 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $125 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $220 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $171 and $172 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $226 and $226, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $35.10 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $45.07 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

45.07

Cost Per Credit Hour in Maryland

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $317 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $896 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,438 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $141 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $333 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $235 and $177 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $273 and $197, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $46.47 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $51.07 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in Massachusetts

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $443 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,032 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,534 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $173 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $354 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $278 and $172 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $306 and $219, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $35.37 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $42.07 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in Michigan

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $430 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,195 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $931 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $119 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $212 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $175 and $174 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $170 and $168, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $34.63 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $43.83 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in Minnesota

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $379 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $759 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,107 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $180 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $198 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $173 and $143 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $187 and $162, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $34.83 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $40.97 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in Mississippi

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $278 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $665 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $598 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $109 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $190 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $196 and $139 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $145 and $135, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $48.27 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $42.77 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in Missouri

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $285 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $664 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $847 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $112 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $219 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $187 and $132 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $201 and $146, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $30.33 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $39.80 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in Montana

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $232 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $816 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $864 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $125 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $280 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $149 and $172 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $143 and $159, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $38.57 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $36.53 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in Nebraska

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $282 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $717 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $836 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $106 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $133 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $208 and $162 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $183 and $135, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $36.60 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $48.00 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in Nevada

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $195 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $704 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $814 per credit hour.
Information about 2-year institutions is unavailable.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $201 and $187 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $224 and $233, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $39.90 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $51.60 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in New Hampshire

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $544 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $982 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,112 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $253 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $548 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $242 and $152 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $290 and $163, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $38.20 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $48.27 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in New Jersey

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $465 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $956 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,244 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $157 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $275 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $278 and $173 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $265 and $192, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $47.83 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $50.83 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in New Mexico

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $230 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $612 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,005 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $57.00 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $223 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $159 and $153 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $188 and $147, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $37.37 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $34.67 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in New York

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $273 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $736 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,351 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $179 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $307 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $325 and $171 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $304 and $203, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $40.53 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $43.53 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in North Carolina

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $239 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $766 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,133 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $83.00 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $289 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $192 and $145 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $212 and $198, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $38.97 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $47.37 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in North Dakota

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $270 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $519 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $507 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $163 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $310 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $124 and $161 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $103 and $152, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $35.40 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $33.60 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in Ohio

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $336 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $815 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,087 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $136 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $243 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $220 and $183 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $198 and $183, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $39.57 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $45.67 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in Oklahoma

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $262 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $718 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $923 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $137 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $313 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $158 and $138 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $162 and $163, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $38.33 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $44.43 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in Oregon

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $343 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,031 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,353 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $157 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $293 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $240 and $170 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $218 and $192, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $52.40 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $53.43 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in Pennsylvania

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $494 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $951 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,390 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $176 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $470 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $230 and $153 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $248 and $204, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $45.13 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $49.30 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in Rhode Island

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $419 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,000 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,404 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $152 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $405 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $256 and $153 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $299 and $203, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $40.00 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $40.00 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in South Carolina

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $434 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,072 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $854 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $158 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $329 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $208 and $129 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $160 and $158, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $43.87 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $47.23 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in South Dakota

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $292 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $416 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $775 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $206 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $195 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $131 and $139 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $133 and $137, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $43.70 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $46.70 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in Tennessee

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $326 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $869 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $936 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $143 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $553 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $174 and $157 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $196 and $154, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $52.57 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $41.53 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in Texas

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $289 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $834 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,149 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $75.00 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $197 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $185 and $152 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $219 and $174, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $36.83 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $54.70 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in Utah

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $224 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $719 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $262 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $128 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $407 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $118 and $137 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $133 and $132, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $44.07 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $56.00 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in Vermont

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $553 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,332 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,469 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $237 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $470 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $255 and $148 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $256 and $213, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $36.83 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $33.33 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in Virginia

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $447 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,163 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $779 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $175 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $382 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $208 and $161 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $196 and $173, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $46.17 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $50.57 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in Washington

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $235 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $974 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,292 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $139 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $190 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $217 and $191 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $213 and $191, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $36.03 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $35.43 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in West Virginia

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $267 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $733 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $417 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $143 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $328 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $187 and $161 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $150 and $162, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $38.63 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $40.10 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in Wisconsin

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $290 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $835 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,147 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $147 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $214 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $180 and $102 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $206 and $155, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $24.73 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $48.10 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour in Wyoming

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $153 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $476 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $107 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $258 per credit hour to attend community college.
Information about private 4-year institutions is unavailable.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $150 and $185 per credit hour, respectively.
Information about room and board costs at private 4-year institutions is unavailable.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $40.00 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $41.60 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Analysis: Pay Less Per Credit Hour

Most institutions only charge per credit hour up to whatever they consider a full course load to be (usually 15 credit hours per semester). In other words, once students pay for a full course load, any additional courses they may take are essentially free. As a result, some students enroll in 18 or 21 credit hours per semester. This strategy may decrease the end cost of a college education in many ways.

In addition to “free” classes, a larger course load may accelerate the student’s academic timeline. A bachelor’s degree that usually takes four or five years to earn may be attainable in just over three years. This gives the student an additional year or two in the workforce.

A reduced cost per credit hour also reduces the amount a student may need to borrow in order to attend school. The student will not only have a smaller debt balance to begin with but a reduction in the amount of interest they will ultimately have to pay.

Unfortunately, an increased course load is more demanding, with more time spent studying and attending classes. Such a schedule leaves little time for a part-time job, extracurricular activities, or relaxation. As a result, a student’s academic performance may suffer. For these reasons and more, many schools require special dispensation to take an increased course load.

Statistics indicate that most students require four to six years to complete a bachelor’s degree. While 30% of bachelor’s degree holders earn their degree within four years, a further 35% earn a degree within six years. Additionally, 10%-21% of college students are diagnosed with depression and/or anxiety each year. It is possible that a heavy course load may be too stressful for some students, who may, as a result, have to withdraw from courses or take some courses a second time. Such setbacks may have financial consequences and may add to the student’s time in school.