In 2018-19, average published tuition and fees for in-district students at public two-year colleges range from $1,430 in California and $1,840 in New Mexico to $7,090 in New Hampshire and $8,190 in Vermont.
Key Points
- In five states, average tuition and fees at public two-year colleges fell in inflation-adjusted dollars between 2013-14 and 2018-19. In three of these states (Minnesota, New Hampshire, and Washington), the 2018-19 price remains above the national average.
- In three states, average tuition and fees at public two-year colleges increased by more than 20% in inflation-adjusted dollars between 2013-14 and 2018-19. In Mississippi, despite a 24% price increase (compared with the national average of 5%), the state’s average 2018-19 price is $470 below the national average.
Figure 5: Average 2018-19 In-District Tuition and Fees at Public Two-Year Institutions by State and Five-Year Percentage Change in Inflation-Adjusted Tuition and Fees
NOTES: Alaska is not included in Figure 5 because it does not have a separate community college system.
SOURCES: College Board, Annual Survey of Colleges; NCES, IPEDS Fall 2016 Enrollment data.
Also Important
- California enrolled about 18% of the nation’s full-time public two-year students in fall 2016.
- State initiatives to make community college tuition free for some students are not evident in the data reported in Figure 5. For example, the Tennessee Promise program fills the gap between community college tuition and fees and Pell Grants and other grant aid for recent high school graduates who meet certain requirements. This program provides aid to students, rather than eliminating the tuition price.