The cost of attending college is a major financial decision for many people. Average tuition and room and board in Pennsylvania is over $26,000 per year. Over four years this totals over $100,000.
There are many universities that charge much higher rates. Out-of-state students attending public colleges or universities pay an average 76.27% more.
Many students get a discount off of the published cost through scholarships or grants. This can range from athletic scholarships to being a desired student because of high grades and test scores. With careful planning, you can determine which schools will offer you the best financial options.
A good strategy for many students might be to attend community college for the first two years. Your final degree will still be from the more prestigious institution. A number of factors that reflect the overall cost of a degree are squarely on the student.
Changing majors or taking light credit loads can make your cost soar. It is important to plan your overall schedule carefully because some required courses are not offered all of the time. Your choice to attend college could mean earning over hundreds of thousands of dollars more over a lifetime.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has calculated that Americans with a bachelor’s degree earn 68% more than individuals with just a high school diploma.
Overall, bachelor degree programs generate a median return on investment of $160,000. Remember, median means this is the center point, with half .