Be sure to explore all the school options available to your family because the price of a college education can vary widely.

Some college expenses will depend on choices your child makes, such as:

• Public or private school
• In-state or out-of-state school
• Four-year or two-year school
• Location
• Living on campus, off campus, or at home

Other expenses, such as books, stay relatively constant regardless of school.

As you shop around, don't let sticker shock get in the way of your dream of sending your child to college.

Average costs and total aid

The average yearly cost for tuition and room and board:

• Private college is $22,218.
• In-state public university is $5,836.
• Two-year public institution is $2,272.

Use College Answer's School Search Tool to determine school expenses and financial aid offered to help with your cost decisions.

For the 2005-2006 academic year, the total amount of financial aid awarded to students was $134.8 billion. With more financial aid available, many families pay less out-of-pocket now than they did 25 years ago. (In 1980, the total amount of financial aid awarded to students was about $25 billion.)

Estimating savings

Use these calculators that let you quickly assess your situation, look at your financial needs, and help you come up with a savings strategy.

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