As families seek ways to make college affordable, the percentage of students choosing two-year colleges continues to grow.
Enrollment by School Type, Over Time
School choice may be a key driver in containing total average spending.
This year, families reported the highest enrollment in two-year public colleges since the survey began, 34 percent in 2013-14 from 30 percent the previous year. At the same time, enrollment at 4-year public colleges declined from 46 percent to 41 percent. Although the proportion enrolled at 4-year private colleges remained the same year-over-year (22%), the average spending at that type of institution appears to reflect a reduced cost to the families who chose them.
In 2013 the private college tuition discount rate – the amount of financial aid as a percentage of tuition and fees – was “again at an all-time high”.
Not surprisingly, the amount spent to attend four-year schools is higher than two-year schools. The average yearly amount spent for two-year public schools was $11,012, a slight increase of $344 from the prior year but $10,060
In affluent Westchester County, New York, more high school graduates seem to be “choosing community college as a way to save money”.
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Cost of College 