Average Cost per Credit Hour & College Class: 2026 Data

Report Highlights. The average public, 4-year university charges in-state residents $411 per credit hour. Most college courses are worth 3 credit hours, meaning one (1) college class typically costs $1,234.

Including room & board expenses, the cost of public, 4-year colleges is closer to $966 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students at public 4-year colleges pay $1,179 per credit hour; including room and board, the cost is closer to $1,706 per credit.
The average private 4-year university charges $1,496 per credit hour or $4,489 per course.
The average local community college student pays around $153 per credit hour or $459 per course.
Factoring in student loan interest and the cost of lost income, the ultimate cost of the average bachelor’s degree exceeds $4,167 per credit hour or $12,500 per course.

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

**All calculations of cost per credit hour are based on the full-time, first-time student taking an average 24 credit hours their first year.

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 reflect the total cost of attendance, which also includes room, board, books, supplies, and other expenses.

The average cost of tuition per credit hour at any public postsecondary institution is $339; the average cost per course is $1,016.
The average total cost per credit hour at any public postsecondary institution is $1,107; the average cost per course is $3,321.
The average total cost per credit hour at any public postsecondary institution increased 4.17% year-over-year (YoY).
The average cost of tuition per credit hour at any private postsecondary institution is $1,482; the cost per course is $4,446.
The average total cost per credit hour at any private postsecondary institution is $2,279; the cost per course is $6,838.
The average total cost per credit hour at any private postsecondary institution increased 2.38% YoY.
Private, nonprofit postsecondary institutions (2-year and 4-year) charge an average of $1,638 for tuition per credit hour; for-profit institutions charge an average of $663 for tuition per credit hour.
Private, nonprofit postsecondary institutions (2-year and 4-year) charge an average total of $2,444 per credit hour; for-profit institutions charge an average total of $1,350 per credit hour.
The average total cost per credit hour at any private, nonprofit postsecondary institution increased 3.43% YoY.
The average total cost per credit hour at any private, for-profit postsecondary institution decreased 1.38% YoY.

Total Cost Per Credit Hour: Public 4-Year Institutions
Expense	Cost	YoY Change
Tuition, In-State	$411	1.25%
Tuition, Out-of-State	$1,179	3.06%
Books & Supplies	$51	1.23%
Room & Board	$554	5.26%
Other	$169	7.20%
Total Cost, In-State	$1,186	3.92%
Total Cost, Out-of-State	$1,914	3.11%

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 $750
The average cost of tuition per credit hour at any 4-year institution increased 1.62% YoY.
The average total cost per credit hour at any 4-year institution is $1,531
The average total cost per credit hour at any 4-year institution increased 3.48% YoY.
The average cost of tuition per credit hour at a public, 4-year institution is $411
The average cost of tuition per credit hour at a public, 4-year institution increased 1.25% YoY.
The average total cost per credit hour at a public, 4-year institution is $1,186
The average total cost per credit hour at a public, 4-year institution increased 3.92% YoY.
For out-of-state students, public universities charge $1,179 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 3.06% YoY.
For out-of-state students, public universities cost a total of $1,914 per credit hour.
The average total cost per credit hour for out-of-state students at a public, 4-year institution increased 3.11% YoY.
$1,496 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 1.88% YoY.
$2,325 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 1.85% YoY.
$1,642 is the average cost of tuition per credit hour at a private, nonprofit 4-year institution.
The average cost of tuition per credit hour for students at a private, nonprofit 4-year institution increased 2.56% YoY.
$2,454 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 3.41% YoY.
$660 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 0.03% YoY.
$1,411 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 decreased 0.15% YoY.

Total Cost Per Credit Hour: Private 4-Year Institutions
Expense	Nonprofit	For-Profit
Tuition	$1,642	$660
Books & Supplies	$52	$39
Room & Board	$634	$536
Other	$127	$177
Total Cost	$2,454	$1,411

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, $153 is the average cost of tuition per credit hour.
Community colleges charge out-of-state students an average of $357 in tuition per credit hour.
Nonprofit, 2-year institutions cost $866 per credit hour; for-profit, 2-year institutions charge $695 per credit hour.

Total Cost Per Credit Hour: Public 2-Year†
Tuition	$153
Books & Supplies	$62
Room & Board	$365
Other	$166
Total Cost	$746

†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 4-year postsecondary institution, public and private, cost $51 per credit hour.
Room & board at 4-year postsecondary institutions cost $578 per credit hour.
Other miscellaneous expenses cost the average 4-year postsecondary student the equivalent of $152 per credit hour.

Total Cost Per Credit Hour: Private 2-Year
Expense	Nonprofit	For-Profit
Tuition	$866	$695
Books & Supplies	$42	$67
Room & Board	$553	$338
Other	$124	$38
Total Cost	$1,584	$1,139

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 $21.17 per credit hour or $213 per credit hour when adjusted for inflation.
The average cost per credit hour at a public university was $9.75 in 1963; adjusted for inflation, that’s $104 per credit hour.
Community colleges in 1963 charged $4.04 per credit hour, or $40.58 when adjusted for inflation.
Private 4-year institutions charged $42.13 per credit hour, or $423 when adjusted for inflation.

Average Cost per Credit Hour - page 3 2

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 tuition rates per credit hour; in-state students pay $733 while out-of-state students pay $1,746 per credit hour.
South Dakota’s community colleges are the most expensive for residents, charging $309 per credit hour.
Tennessee’s community colleges charge the most to out-of-state students at $719 per credit hour.
Florida public universities are the most affordable for residents at $192 per credit hour.
The South Dakota charges the lowest rates to out-of-state students at $541 per credit hour.
California community colleges charge the lowest rates for in-state students at $54 per credit hour.
Washington D.C. charges the most for room and board at a combined $756 per credit hour.
South Dakota’s public institutions have the least expensive room and board at the equivalent of $345 per credit hour.
North Dakota’s private 4-year institutions have the most affordable room and board at $335 per credit hour.
Private 4-year institutions in the District of Columbia charge the most for room and board at $756 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	$733	$1,746
New Hampshire	$709	$1,410
Pennsylvania	$676	$1,327
Connecticut	$657	$1,579
New Jersey	$636	$1,261
Illinois	$622	$1,251
Virginia	$618	$1,572
Rhode Island	$614	$1,412
Michigan	$613	$1,722
Massachusetts	$598	$1,427
Minnesota	$536	$1,113
South Carolina	$525	$1,389
Oregon	$518	$1,498
Delaware	$497	$1,409
Arizona	$490	$1,188
Kentucky	$471	$1,110
Alabama	$462	$1,180
Ohio	$455	$1,143
Maine	$451	$1,260
Hawaii	$437	$1,365
Tennessee	$435	$1,038
Iowa	$422	$1,211
Maryland	$418	$1,113
Missouri	$414	$997
Indiana	$412	$1,269
Louisiana	$410	$982
Colorado	$408	$1,353
North Dakota	$405	$612
Kansas	$386	$988
Mississippi	$380	$897
South Dakota	$378	$541
Wisconsin	$374	$1,219
Arkansas	$370	$962
Nebraska	$369	$897
West Virginia	$363	$980
California	$360	$1,374
New York	$357	$860
Oklahoma	$355	$955
Alaska	$345	$1,017
Texas	$341	$1,031
Washington	$334	$1,269
Idaho	$318	$1,059
New Mexico	$314	$910
North Carolina	$305	$965
Montana	$304	$1,195
Utah	$301	$963
Georgia	$295	$1,014
Nevada	$280	$1,018
District of Columbia	$256	$542
Wyoming	$213	$634
Florida	$189	$743

Cost Per Credit Hour In Alabama

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $462 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,180 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $737 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $210 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $393 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $261 and $203 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $232 and $222, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $55.50 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $63.46 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 $345 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,017 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $840 per credit hour.
Information about 2-year institutions is unavailable.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $268 and $281 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $145 and $214 per credit hour, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $55.92 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $33.33 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 $490 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,188 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $562 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $90 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 $350 and $236 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $242 and $182, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $45.67 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $55.71 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 $370 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $962 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,033 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $152 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 $257 and $184 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $196 and $185, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $53.21 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $55.67 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 $360 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,374 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,751 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $54 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $389 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $384 and $295 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $385 and $302, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $69.79 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $72.04 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 $408 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,353 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,145 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $143 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $314 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $299 and $286 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $353 and $255, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $58.04 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $77.29 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 $657 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,579 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,872 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $198 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $591 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $329 and $266 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $393 and $288, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $44.71 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $53.71 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 $497 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,409 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $506 per credit hour.
Information about 2-year institutions is unavailable.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $362 and $242 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $333 and $118, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $41.83 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $66.67 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 $256 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $542 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,961 per credit hour.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $472 and $284, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $50.00 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 $189 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $743 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,289 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $104 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $380 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $277 and $204 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $326 and $267 respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $61.54 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $48.08 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 $295 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,014 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,338 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $131 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $344 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $301 and $182 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $337 and $254, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $57.33 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $53.46 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 $437 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,365 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $910 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $134 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $350 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $246 and $259 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $276 and $318, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $50.25 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $41.42 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 $318 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,059 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $290 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $140 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $343 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $216 and $213 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $131 and $318, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $49.79 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $41.67 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 $622 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,251 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,569 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $177 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $487 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $275 and $237 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $353 and $255, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $47.29 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $62.08 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 $412 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,269 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,583 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $193 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $372 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $248 and $216 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $292 and $267, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $55.13 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $45.42 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 $422 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,211 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,568 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $233 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $287 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $211 and $224 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $222 and $224, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $41.88 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $62.42 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 $386 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $988 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,297 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $152 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $201 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $232 and $195 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $211 and $251, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $41.50 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $45.63 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 $471 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,110 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,167 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $191 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $646 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $307 and $190 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $202 and $203, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $42.96 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $41.67 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 $410 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $982 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,854 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $182 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 $283 and $193 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $343 and $277, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $55.38 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $51.75 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 $451 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,260 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,624 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $157 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $277 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $240 and $226 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $313 and $306, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $43.88 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $56.33 per credit hour at 2-year institutions.

Cost Per Credit Hour In Maryland

At public 4-year institutions, in-state students pay an average of $418 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,113 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $2,010 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $184 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $412 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $333 and $248 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $383 and $285, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $58.08 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $63.83 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 $598 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,427 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $2,241 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $232 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $443 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $368 and $253 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $432 and $309, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $44.21 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $52.58 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 $613 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,722 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,391 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $165 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $312 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $241 and $244 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $243 and $232, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $43.29 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $54.79 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 $536 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,113 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,496 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $252 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $283 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $269 and $199 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $267 and $230, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $43.54 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $51.21 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 $380 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $897 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $835 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $154 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $260 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $262 and $233 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $218 and $165, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $60.33 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $53.46 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 $414 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $997 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,278 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $170 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $317 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $271 and $175 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $294 and $202, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $37.92 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $49.75 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 $304 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,195 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,311 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $165 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 $209 and $243 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $210 and $229, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $48.21 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $45.67 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 $369 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $897 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,083 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $142 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $179 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $262 and $209 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $237 and $226, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $45.75 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $60.00 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 $280 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,018 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,010 per credit hour.
Information about 2-year institutions is unavailable.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $275 and $238 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $289 and $302, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $49.88 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $64.50 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 $709 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,410 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $815 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $296 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $640 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $333 and $209 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $348 and $210, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $47.75 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $60.33 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 $636 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,261 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,682 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $208 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $357 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $370 and $218 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $366 and $257, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $59.79 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $63.54 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 $314 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $910 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,139 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $80 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 $223 and $213 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $262 and $247, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $46.71 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $43.33 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 $357 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $860 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,928 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $240 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $381 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $442 and $259 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $435 and $283, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $50.67 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $54.42 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 $305 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $965 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,674 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $105 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $355 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $275 and $206 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $303 and $276, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $48.71 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $59.21 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 $405 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $612 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $708 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $234 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $277 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $174 and $211 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $148 and $187, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $44.25 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $42.00 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 $455 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,143 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,567 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $193 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $346 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $307 and $255 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $284 and $252, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $49.46 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $57.08 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 $355 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $955 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,298 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $184 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $413 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $258 and $197 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $207 and $217, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $47.92 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $55.54 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 $518 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,498 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,968 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $224 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $381 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $359 and $241 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $342 and $272, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $65.50 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $66.79 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 $676 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,327 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,968 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $238 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $549 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $313 and $209 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $354 and $280, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $56.42 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $61.63 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 $614 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,412 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $2,075 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $212 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $565 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $344 and $257 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $413 and $284, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $50.00 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $50.00 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 $525 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,389 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,197 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $208 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $437 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $293 and $191 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $230 and $228, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $54.83 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $59.04 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 $378 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $541 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,195 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $309 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $302 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $173 and $172 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $180 and $198, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $54.63 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $58.38 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 $435 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,038 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,329 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $185 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $719 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $229 and $223 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $293 and $224, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $65.71 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $51.92 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 $341 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,031 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,673 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $122 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 $250 and $203 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $295 and $234, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $46.04 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $68.38 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 $301 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $963 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $338 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $177 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $571 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $176 and $192 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $186 and $183, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $55.08 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $70.00 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 $733 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,746 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $2,087 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $288 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 $354 and $200 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $362 and $292, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $46.04 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $41.67 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 $618 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,572 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,002 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $218 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $480 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $294 and $243 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $271 and $245, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $57.71 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $63.21 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 $334 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,269 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,764 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $193 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $346 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $322 and $301 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $299 and $291, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $45.04 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $44.29 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 $363 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $980 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $506 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $192 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $449 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $252 and $229 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $207 and $228, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $48.29 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $50.13 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 $374 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $1,219 per credit hour.
Private 4-year universities charge $1,570 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $194 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $279 per credit hour to attend community college.
Room and board at the average public 4-year college costs the equivalent of $239 and $155 per credit hour, respectively.
Room and board at private 4-year institutions costs the equivalent of $289 and $224, respectively.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $30.92 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $60.13 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 $213 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $634 per credit hour.
At public, 2-year institutions or community colleges, in-state students pay $175 per credit hour.
Out-of-state students pay $416 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 $195 and $228 per credit hour, respectively.
Information about room and board costs at private 4-year institutions is unavailable.
Books and supplies average the equivalent of $50.00 per credit hour at 4-year institutions and $52.00 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. First-time, full-time students take an average of less than 27 credits during their first year, but complete 76% of these credits. Overall, 49.1% of bachelor’s degree holders earn their degree within four years, and another 15.4% earn a degree within six years. Additionally, 37-44% of college students reported symptoms of depression and/or anxiety during the academic 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.