Higher Education Coordinating Board

College Costs

College costs vary and will depend on the kind of school you pick, the number of courses you take, and your lifestyle. College costs generally include tuition and fees, room and board, books, transportation and other supplies.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees pay for classes and the use of some campus facilities, like libraries.

Living Expenses

Room and board includes food and the cost of living in a college dormitory or apartment. Books and supplies are required for most classes. Costs will vary depending on the types of courses you take.

Personal expenses include items like clothes, groceries, and laundry.

Transportation expenses include gas, parking, and travel home for the holidays.

Tuition and Fees at Washington
Colleges and Universities

Estimated 08-09 tuition & fee averages for full-time, undergraduate, resident students by sector:

Public community & technical colleges

$2,730

Public comprehensive/regional
college and universities*

$4,782

Public research universities**

$6,647

Private four-year colleges and universities^

$27,369

Private career colleges

Varies

*Central, Eastern, and Western Washington Universities and
The Evergreen State College
**University of Washington and Washington State University ^Source: Independent Colleges of Washington, weighted average.

If you are not a permanent resident or citizen of the United States and meet certain criteria, you may be eligible for resident tuition rates at Washington public colleges and universities. To qualify, you will need to complete an affidavit promising to apply for permanent residency in the United States at the earliest possible opportunity and indicating a willingness to engage in activities necessary to acquire citizenship. Learn more.

An Investment in Your Future

The evidence is clear. The more education you have, the more likely you are to:

Live longer

Have better health

Stay employed

Enjoy your work

Earn more money

Change careers more easily

While the cost of college can be high, the cost of not going
is even higher. Over a lifetime, a college graduate will earn about $1 million more than someone with only a high school diploma.

Median annual income of all

workers age 25 and up

No high school diploma

$19,405

High school diploma or GED

$26,894

Some college or associate degree

$32,874

Bachelor's degree

$46,805

Advanced degree

$61,287

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2007

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