In 1998-99, in-state students attending public four-year colleges faced an average tuition and fees of $3,243 per year. Resident students at public two-year colleges faced average tuition and fees of $1,633 per year in 1998-99. Tuition and fees for out-of-state students at four-year public institutions averaged $8,417 and $4,508 at two-year public institutions.

When the costs of room, board, books, supplies, transportation, and other personal expenses are added to tuition and fees, the average in-state total cost of attending a public four-year college was $10,458 in 1998-99. Since many students who attend two-year public schools live at home, the average total cost of attending a two-year public college in 1998-99 was $6,445. This includes the cost of tuition, fees, books, supplies, transportation, and other personal expenses for a commuter student.