There is plenty of talk these days about the price of college. It is easy to be intimidated — but how much does college really cost? The answer is, “It just depends.” Colleges come in a wide variety and, depending on the choices you make, the price of a college education can be quite reasonable — especially if you view education after high school as an investment in yourself and your future.

Keep in mind that the actual price the average undergraduate pays for a college education is considerably lower than the published tuition and fees. This is usually due to grants and other forms of financial aid. Look at the table below to see what it really costs to attend college (Use the College Cost Calculator also to get a figure more specific to your situation). Remember that there are additional costs to attend college such as clothes, personal items, laundry, transportation, and other living expenses.