Thinking about the cost of college? In some states, it feels like the tuition bills are never-ending. Here’s a look at the 19 states where paying for college is a real challenge, thanks to sky-high tuition and average incomes that just don’t keep up.
1. Vermont
Vermont has some of the highest in-state tuition fees in the nation, with average costs around $16,000 annually. The state’s smaller population and higher living costs contribute to the burden.
2. Pennsylvania
Home to many prestigious private and public universities, Pennsylvania’s average in-state tuition hovers around $14,000 per year, putting significant pressure on the financial resources of its residents.
3. New Hampshire
With no public university offering tuition under $15,000, New Hampshire ranks high on the list of unaffordable states for college, exacerbated by limited state funding for higher education.
4. Illinois
Illinois features high tuition rates with the average in-state tuition costing about $13,800. Despite a larger economy, the high costs place a strain on families and students alike.
5. Virginia
Virginia’s average in-state tuition is around $13,500. The presence of numerous renowned universities drives up the average cost, impacting affordability.
6. Massachusetts
Massachusetts is known for its high concentration of esteemed colleges and universities, which also means higher costs. Average in-state tuition is about $13,000 annually.
7. New Jersey
With an average in-state tuition of $14,000, New Jersey’s costs are steep compared to the national average, despite high median incomes in the state.
8. South Carolina
South Carolina sees average in-state tuition around $12,600. This can be burdensome given the state’s lower-than-average median household income.
9. Delaware
Delaware might offer tax advantages, but it doesn’t extend those to college tuition, which averages about $13,000 for in-state students.
10. Alabama
Despite a lower cost of living, Alabama’s average in-state tuition sits around $10,500, a significant expense given the generally lower income levels in the state.
11. Connecticut
Known for a high cost of living and high incomes, Connecticut still struggles with college affordability, with an average in-state tuition of $12,500.
12. Rhode Island
Small but expensive, Rhode Island has an average in-state tuition cost of $12,200, which is hefty for its residents.
13. Michigan
Michigan’s average tuition of $12,800 is on the higher side, especially when considering the economic struggles parts of the state have faced.
14. Ohio
With some large public universities, Ohio’s average in-state tuition is around $10,000, which can be a lot for families earning closer to the state median income.
15. Oregon
Oregon’s average tuition stands at about $11,000. Despite its booming tech sector, the general population finds this quite steep.
16. New York
Known for the SUNY system, New York still has a high average in-state tuition cost of around $8,500, which can be deceptive when factoring in the high cost of living in many parts of the state.
17. Maryland
Maryland’s colleges charge an average of $10,000 for in-state tuition. High living costs in much of the state make this a burden for many families.
18. Colorado
Colorado has seen tuition rates climb to an average of $11,200 as the state’s economy grows and attracts more residents.
19. Washington
Washington state, with booming tech hubs like Seattle, faces rising tuition costs averaging $11,000, compounded by high living expenses.
College Costs Are Crushing
Paying for college is a major challenge in these 19 states. With high tuition fees and the pressure of living expenses, students and families must carefully plan and budget to avoid overwhelming debt. Understanding these costs is essential for making informed decisions about higher education.
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The post – 19 States with the Most Unaffordable College Tuition – first appeared on Career Step Up.
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The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional financial advice.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
