This fall, it will cost students on average 4.5 percent more to go to private, nonprofit colleges and universities, according to a survey of 500 members of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.
Last academic year, tuition and fees went up 4.3 percent. The 2010-11 increase is the second-lowest jump since 1972-73. Institutions will be offering an average of 6.8 percent in financial aid, the survey found. In 2009-10, aid increased by 9 percent.
On average, the College Board reports that it cost $26,273 for tuition and fees at private universities and colleges in 2009-10. After grant aid from all sources and federal tax benefits, average net tuition and fees for full-time students drops to $11,870. The average cost of attending a public four-year institution is $7,020 (up 6.5 percent from 2008 to 2009).