Average Cost of Community College [2023]: Tuition + Fees

Report Highlights. The average cost of commmunity college attendance is $7,460 total or $1,865 per semester.

Tuition alone for in-district community college attendance averages $3,400.
For out-of-state students, the average community college tuition is $8,210.
The average total annual cost to attend any 2-year institution is $10,300.
Private 2-year institutions charge an average of $15,100; in-state tuition at a public 4-year institution averages $9,308.
The annual tuition at a private 2-year institution can be as high as $25,000.

Cost of community college by state on Education Data Initiative

Jump to a state: AL | AK | AZ | AR | CA | CO | CT | DE | FL | GA | HI | ID | IL | IN | IA | KS | KY | LA | ME | MD | MA | MI | MN | MS | MO | MT | NE | NV | NH | NJ | NM | NY | NC | ND | OH | OK | OR | PA | RI | SC | SD | TN | TX | UT | VT | VA | WA | WV | WI | WY

Historical average cost of community college on Education Data Initiative

Average Cost of Community College

The cost of attending the average community college has remained relatively stable over the past 20 years when compared with four-year institutions. The total cost of attendance may vary according to the type of institution and by student status.

$3,730 is the total annual cost in tuition and fees for the average full-time, in-district student to attend a community college.
On-campus living typically increases annual expenses by $6,000 per academic year at public institutions.
At private institutions, on-campus living may cost an additional $10,000.
Students who pay rent off-campus typically spend an extra $9,500 per year.
$1,865 is the average cost of tuition for one semester at a community college.
In 20 years, the cost of tuition at the average community college has risen 46%, compared with a 76% rise among public universities.
27% of all community college revenue comes from tuition.
$10,281 is the median annual cost of attendance at a 2-year institution.
17 states offer a tuition-free community college education, including Delaware, California, Maryland, New York, and Montana.

Community College Tuition by State, from Highest to Lowest In-State Tuition
State	In-State Tuition	Out-of-State Tuition
New Hampshire	$7,560	$16,384
Vermont	$6,610	$13,060
South Dakota	$6,030	$6,210
Minnesota	$5,540	$6,300
New York	$5,390	$9,430
Pennsylvania	$5,330	$14,090
Virginia	$5,270	$11,610
Massachusetts	$5,140	$10,310
Iowa	$5,070	$6,780
North Dakota	$4,840	$9,710
Rhode Island	$4,700	$12,520
New Jersey	$4,670	$8,290
South Carolina	$4,640	$9,760
Oregon	$4,620	$8,760
Alabama	$4,540	$9,760
Wisconsin	$4,470	$6,450
Indiana	$4,380	$8,460
Tennessee	$4,270	$16,620
Kentucky	$4,230	$14,240
Louisiana	$4,220	$7,270
Maryland	$4,210	$9,750
Washington	$4,200	$6,160
West Virginia	$4,200	$9,690
Illinois	$4,010	$11,320
Oklahoma	$3,990	$9,330
Alaska	$3,960	$7,220
Utah	$3,890	$12,380
Maine	$3,810	$6,690
Ohio	$3,780	$7,680
Colorado	$3,750	$10,670
Montana	$3,740	$8,740
Michigan	$3,570	$6,750
Kansas	$3,480	$4,750
Arkansas	$3,390	$4,910
Idaho	$3,380	$7,970
Missouri	$3,370	$6,340
Nebraska	$3,310	$4,220
Mississippi	$3,280	$5,800
Wyoming	$3,240	$7,910
Hawaii	$3,170	$8,460
Nevada	$3,170	$10,150
Georgia	$2,990	$8,330
Florida	$2,580	$9,380
North Carolina	$2,570	$8,750
Connecticut	$2,380	$13,270
Delaware	$2,290	$5,720
Texas	$2,280	$6,610
Arizona	$2,220	$8,310
New Mexico	$1,720	$5,480
California	$1,310	$7,730

graph of comparative tuition costs at 2-year and 4-year institutions over time

Average Cost Community College by State

Education costs vary from state to state. In the state with the highest cost of attendance, tuition is significantly more expensive than it is in the state with the lowest attendance costs. Further, in some states, the cost of attending an average community college is about the same as the cost of attending a 4-year institution. In other states, there may be a $10,000+ difference in annual costs.

There is a 477% difference in cost between the states with the most- and the least-expensive community college system.
New Hampshire community college students pay the most for their education.
California is the least expensive place to get a community college education.
Tennessee charges the highest tuition to out-of-state community college students.
South Dakota charges virtually the same tuition to in-state students as to out-of-state.
The total cost of attendance will include the price of tuition and will depend on multiple variables, including students’ living arrangements.

Alabama Community College Costs

Community colleges in Alabama have higher-than-average tuition for in-state and out-of-state students.

$4,540 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Alabama.
$13,070 is the total cost to live on-campus.
$9,410 is the out-of-state tuition cost.
For 4-year public institutions, the annual cost of in-state attendance is $19,052.

Alaska Community College Costs

Alaska’s in-state community college tuition is a little more expensive than average, but for out-of-state students, it’s less expensive.

$3,960 is the in-state cost of tuition for Alaskan community colleges.
$18,000 is the total cost to live on-campus.
$7,220 is the out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $7,438.

Arizona Community College Costs

Arizona has the third-most affordable community college system, charging over a thousand dollars less than the national average.

$2,220 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Arizona.
$14,430 is the total cost to live on-campus.
$8,310 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $10,870.

Arkansas Community College Costs

Arkansas’ in-state tuition is slightly above the national average, but its out-of-state tuition is almost half of the national average.

$3,390 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Arkansas.
$12,880 is the total cost to live on-campus.
$4,900 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $8,430.
The Arkansas Future Grant is a state-sponsored program to provide free in-state tuition.

California Community College Costs

California has the least expensive community college system in the nation. Tuition at a Californian community college is less than half of the national average.

$1,310 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in California.
$12,690 is the total cost to live on-campus.
$7,730 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $8,260.
In-state tuition in California is 39.1% of the average cost of community college attendance.
California Promise is California’s tuition-free education program.

Colorado Community College Costs

Colorado is slightly more expensive for in-state students. For out-of-state students, the average cost far exceeds the national average.

$3,750 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Colorado.
$16,330 is the total cost to live on-campus.
$10,670 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $9,830.
Otero Junior College in Colorado is a private, non-profit 2-year institution with an in-state tuition of $2,900.

Connecticut Community College Costs

Connecticut has one of the most affordable community college systems in the nation for in-state attendees. Out-of-state students, however, pay 50% more per year than the national average.

$2,380 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Connecticut.
$13,270 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $12,730.

Delaware Community College Costs

Delaware has one of the least expensive community college systems in the country. It’s one of the few that charge less than $3,000 annually. It’s also significantly less expensive for out-of-state students.

$2,290 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Delaware.
$5,720 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $10,300.
Delaware’s SEED program offers tuition-free community college.

Florida Community College Costs

Florida is less expensive for in-state students, but more expensive for out-of-state students. It’s one of the few states where the cost of community college is more than half of the cost of a 4-year institution.

$2,580 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Florida.
$17,330 is the total cost to live on-campus.
$9,380 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $4,590.

Georgia Community College Costs

Georgia has one of the less expensive community college systems for in-state students. It is just slightly more expensive than average for out-of-state students.

$2,990 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Georgia.
$12,840 is the total cost to live on-campus.
$8,330 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $7420.

Hawaii Community College Costs

Hawaii’s average community college tuition is slightly below the national average for in-state and just about the national average for out-of-state tuition.

$3,170 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Hawaii.
$8,460 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $10,000.
The Hawaii Promise Scholarship provides free in-state community college tuition.

Idaho Community College Costs

Idaho’s community college system is slightly more expensive than the national average. It is less expensive than average for an out-of-state student.

$3,380 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Idaho.
$13,440 is the total cost to live on-campus.
$7,960 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $7,460.

Illinois Community College Costs

It is a little more expensive than average to attend a community college in Illinois. It is much more expensive for out-of-state students to attend.

$4,010 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Illinois.
$11,320 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $14,390.

Indiana Community College Costs

Indiana’s community colleges are more expensive than the national average for in-state students, though out-of-state students pay a tuition just above the national average.

$4,380 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in .
$8,460 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $9,310.
Indiana’s 21st Century Scholars Program offers tuition-free community college.

Iowa Community College Costs

Though Iowa has one of the less expensive public university systems, the state’s community colleges are among the most expensive in the nation for in-state students. For out-of-state students, however, tuition is much lower than the national average.

$5,070 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Iowa.
$15,280 is the total cost to live on-campus.
$6,780 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $9,030.

Kansas Community College Costs

Kansas’ in-state tuition for community college students is just above the national average, while tuition for out-of-state students is nearly half of the national average.

$3,480 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Kansas.
$12,670 is the total cost to live on-campus.
$4,750 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $9,000.

Kentucky Community College Costs

Kentucky is the third-most expensive community college system for out-of-state students. It is also more expensive than average for in-state students.

$4,230 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Kentucky.
$14,240 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $10,680.
Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship Program is the state sponsored tuition-free community college program.

Louisiana Community College Costs

While in-state students pay a higher-than-average tuition to attend Louisiana community colleges, out-of-state students pay less than the national average in tuition.

$4,220 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Louisiana.
$17,750 is the total cost to live on-campus.
$7,270 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $9,440.

Maine Community College Costs

The cost of community college in Maine is a little above the national average. Out-of-state students, however, pay much less than average.

$3,810 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Maine.
$15,490 is the total cost to live on-campus.
$6,690 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $9,950.

Maryland Community College Costs

Maryland’s community colleges are more expensive for all students, though tuition for its 4-year institutions is below the national mean.

$4,210 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Maryland.
$16,670 is the total cost to live on-campus.
$9,750 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $9,570.
Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship is the state’s tuition-free community college program.

Massachusetts Community College Costs

Massachusetts is one of the more expensive states to attain an education, whether it is at a community college or a 4-year public institution.

$5,140 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Massachusetts.
$10,310 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $13,160.

Michigan Community College Costs

Out-of-state students enjoy much lower-than-average tuition in Michigan, whereas in-state tuition is on par with the national average.

$3,570 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Michigan.
$13,990 is the total cost to live on-campus.
$6,750 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $12,810.

Minnesota Community College Costs

Minnesota’s institutions are more expensive for in-state students. It is less expensive, however, for out-of-state students.

$5,540 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Minnesota.
$15,396 is the total cost to live on-campus.
$6,300 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $11,560.
MnSCU Two-Year Occupational Grant Pilot Program is Minnesota’s tuition-free community college program.

Mississippi Community College Costs

Out-of-state tuition in Mississippi the fifth-lowest in the nation. In-state tuition in Mississippi is on par with the national average.

$3,280 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Mississippi.
$9,860 is the total cost to live on-campus.
$5,800 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $8,220.

Missouri Community College Costs

The cost of education in Missouri is generally average or lower-than-average, with in-state tuition costing just $30 more per year than at the average community college nationwide.

$3,370 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Missouri.
$12,750 is the total cost to live on-campus.
$6,340 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $8,640.
The Missouri A+ Scholarship offers tuition-free community college.

Montana Community College Costs

Community colleges in Montana cost about the same as the average U.S. community college despite the significantly lower costs among its 4-year institutions.

$3,740 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Montana.
$13,070 is the total cost to live on-campus.
$8,740 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $6,990.
The Montana Promise Act is for students who attend two-year community or tribal colleges.

Nebraska Community College Costs

Nebraska has the most affordable community college system in the nation for out-of-state students, with an in-state tuition just below the national average.

$3,310 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Nebraska.
$12,820 is the total cost to live on-campus.
$4,224 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $8,430.

Nevada Community College Costs

In-state students pay slightly lower-than-average tuition, but out-of-state students pay much higher costs to attend Nevada schools.

$3,170 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Nevada.
$10,150 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $6,100.
Nevada Promise Scholarship offers free community college to awardees.

New Hampshire Community College Costs

New Hampshire has the most expensive community college system in the United States. It is the only state where the average community college tuition exceeds $7,000. New Hampshire also has the second-most expensive out-of-state community college tuition.

$7,560 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in New Hampshire.
$20,530 is the total cost to live on-campus.
$16,380 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $16,430.

New Jersey Community College Costs

New Jersey’s tuition costs are significantly higher for in-state students, but on par with the national average for out-of-state students.

$4,670 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in New Jersey.
$8,290 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $14,040.

New Mexico Community College Costs

New Mexico is the second-least expensive place for an in-state student to attend community college. It is one of only two (2) states where tuition is less than $2,000.

$1,720 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in New Mexico.
$12,240 is the total cost to live on-campus.
$5,480 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $6,920.

New York Community College Costs

New York community colleges are more expensive than the national average despite the state’s relatively low-cost public universities.

$5,390 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in New York.
$17,670 is the total cost to live on-campus.
$9,430 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $8,180.
New York’s Excelsior Scholarship is the state’s tuition-free community college program.

North Carolina Community College Costs

North Carolina has one of the least expensive community college students for in-state attendees. Out-of-state tuition costs more than the national average.

$2,570 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in North Carolina.
$8,750 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $7,580.

North Dakota Community College Costs

North Dakota’s community colleges cost much more to attend than the national average despite its lower-cost public universities.

$4,840 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in North Dakota.
$15,300 is the total cost to live on-campus.
$9,710 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $7,920.

Ohio Community College Costs

Ohio community colleges’ in-state students pay more on average, but out-of-state students enjoy lower-than-average tuition.

$3,780 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Ohio.
$15,660 is the total cost to live on-campus.
$7,680 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $10,330.

Oklahoma Community College Costs

Oklahoma’s community colleges are a little more expensive for in-state and a lot more expensive for out-of-state attendees.

$3,990 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Oklahoma.
$13,920 is the total cost to live on-campus.
$9,330 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $7,850.
Oklahoma’s Promise is the state’s tuition-free community college program.

Oregon Community College Costs

Oregon’s community college system is one of the more expensive, though its out-of-state tuition is closer to the national average than in-state costs.

$4,620 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Oregon.
$15,340 is the total cost to live on-campus.
$8,760 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $10,670.
The Oregon Promise Grant provides awardees with tuition-free community college.

Pennsylvania Community College Costs

Pennsylvania has one of the most expensive community college systems along with some of the most expensive public universities.

$5,330 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Pennsylvania.
$16,500 is the total cost to live on-campus.
$14,090 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $14,970.

Rhode Island Community College Costs

Rhode Island is one of the more expensive places to seek postsecondary education. Community colleges charge in-state students more and charge out-of-state students 51% more than the average out-of-state community college tuition.

$4,700 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Rhode Island.
$12,520 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $12,610.
Rhode Island Promise is the state’s tuition-free community college program.

South Carolina Community College Costs

South Carolina’s community college system is more expensive than average for all students, but not as comparatively expensive as the state’s public universities.

$4,640 is the average in-state tuition to attend community college in South Carolina.
$13,700 is the total cost to live on-campus.
$9,760 is the average out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $12,956.
$7,558 is the in-state cost to attend one of the University of South Carolina’s Two-Year Regional Campuses.
The out-of-state cost is $18,238.
$4,723 is the in-state cost to attend a South Carolina technical college.
The out-of-state cost is $8,923.

South Dakota Community College Costs

South Dakota has the third-most expensive community college system. It is one of only three (3) states with community college tuition averaging more than $6,000.

$6,000 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in South Dakota.
$18,580 is the total cost to live on-campus.
$6,210 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $8,800.

Tennessee Community College Costs

Tennessee community colleges charge the highest average out-of-state tuition. It’s one of only two states in which out-of-state tuition exceeds $16,000.

$4,270 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Tennessee.
$16,620 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $9,860.
Tennessee Promise is the state’s tuition-free community college program.

Texas Community College Costs

Texas has one of the more affordable community college systems. It is the fourth-least expensive for in-state students, and out-of-state students pay nearly $2,000 below the national average cost.

$2,270 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Texas.
$13,430 is the total cost to live on-campus.
$6,610 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $8,900.

Utah Community College Costs

Utah’s in-state tuition is higher than the national average, but out-of-state students pay significantly more than the national average. Meanwhile, Utah’s public universities are some of the nation’s most affordable.

$3,890 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Utah.
$12,380 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $6,750.

Vermont Community College Costs

Vermont has the second-most expensive community college system after New Hampshire. It’s one of only three (3) states where community college tuition exceeds $6,000.

$6,610 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Vermont.
$13,060 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $16,590.

Virginia Community College Costs

Virginia has some of the most expensive community colleges in the nation for both in-state and out-of-state students, charging an average of 50% more for tuition.

$5,270 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Virginia.
$17,420 is the total cost to live on-campus.
$11,610 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $13,020.

Washington Community College Costs

Washington community colleges charge higher-than-average tuition for in-state attendance, but out-of-state students pay less than the national average.

$4,200 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Washington.
$15,330 is the total cost to live on-campus.
$6,160 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $7,040.
Washington College Bound is the state’s tuition-free community college program.

West Virginia Community College Costs

West Virginia’s average community college tuition is higher than the national average and on par with its public university costs.

$4,200 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in West Virginia.
$15,040 is the total cost to live on-campus.
$9,690 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $7,850.

Wisconsin Community College Costs

In-state tuition for Wisconsin’s community colleges is significantly higher than the national average. Out-of-state tuition is much less expensive, however.

$4,470 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Wisconsin.
$15,530 is the total cost to live on-campus.
$6,450 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $8,730.

Wyoming Community College Costs

Wyoming has a community college system that charges just a little less on average. The state’s public universities, meanwhile, are the most affordable in the nation.

$3,240 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Wyoming.
$12,410 is the total cost to live on-campus.
$7,910 is out-of-state tuition.
For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $4,580.

States with tuition free community college programs on Education Data Initiative

Student Financial Aid

Financial aid is available to students via government programs, institutional programs, and private organizations.

59% of community college students receive some form of financial aid.
22% receive student aid from their state government.
7% receive aid directly from their community college.
17% of federal work-study aid goes to community college students.

Scholarships

Scholarships and grants are essentially free money. Some scholarships cover the entire cost of the awardee’s education.

34% of community college students receive federal grants.
33% of Pell Grants go to community college students.
17 states offer scholarships or programs for tuition-free community college.

Student Loans

For the most part, only federal student loan data are available. Unlike students at 4-year institutions, a majority of community college students do not use student loans to pay for school.

15% of community college students receive federal loans.
12% of subsidized federal loans go to community college students.
6% of unsubsidized federal loans go to community colleges.
$6,850 is the average amount borrowed per student at public institutions.
51% of community college graduates leave school with no debt.
Among those who attended public institutions, 60% graduated without debt.
82% of community college students attend public institutions.