A national ranking of the country’s best universities found that the University of Maryland, College Park is the most expensive university in the nation. However, students with the best grades and those who attend a school that offers the best value for money are likely to pay less.
A 2016 survey of more than 2,000 students at American universities found that the average cost of attending a public school is $32,634 per year. At the University of Maryland, College Park, the annual tuition and fees cost is $43,637.
Tuition and fees at the University of Maryland are not included in the costs below.
Cost of attendance
The cost of attending a public university in the United States may vary. It will depend on the student’s family income and the financial aid available to them through their school.
The overall cost of attending a university can vary depending on the course load. Students with more demanding course schedules may pay more per credit hour or per semester. Tuition fees for the University of Maryland may be lower than average due to its low cost of living.
Some colleges offer financial assistance for students who may be unable to pay their college tuition. Students interested in applying for financial aid should check with their school’s financial aid office to determine if they are eligible.
Private colleges and universities
Private colleges and universities are not required to offer financial aid to their students. However, some private schools do offer student grants, work-study opportunities, and other types of financial aid.
A study conducted by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce found that the cost of attending a private college is $38,852 per year on average. The cost will depend on the school and the percentage of students who qualify for federal aid.
Tuition and fees
The cost of attending a private college will vary depending on the school. The cost may also depend on the type of school.
Tuition and fees at private colleges and universities include:
- Room and board
- Books and other school supplies
- Tuition and fees
- Books and equipment
- Meals
- Incidentals
The cost of attending a private university may be lower than that of public schools, but the cost of attending a private school is not included in this cost.
A study by the University of California, Berkeley found that the average cost of attending a private college is $38,097 per year. However, this cost does not include room and board, books, or personal expenses.
Cost of attending a private school may also depend on the cost of living in the area. For instance, the cost of living in the Berkeley area may be lower than that of nearby San Francisco.
Some private schools offer financial aid to their students. Students interested in applying for financial aid should check with their school’s financial aid office to determine if they are eligible.
Public colleges and universities
The cost of tuition and fees for public schools varies. The average cost of attending a public school is $35,000 per year.
The average cost of attending a public university in the United States is $34,000 per year.
Students attending a public school may be eligible for a federal financial aid grant or loan.
Some public schools charge a fee for books, supplies, and other school-related expenses.
Public schools that charge a fee for books, supplies, and other school-related expenses include:
- Community colleges
- State schools
- Other public schools
Private schools
Private schools may offer financial aid to their students. The cost of attending a private school will depend on the school.
A survey of more than 2,000 students found that the average cost of attending a private college is $55,918 per year. The cost may depend on the school and the percentage of students who qualify for federal aid.
Some private schools offer financial aid for their students. Students interested in applying for financial aid should check with their school’s financial aid office to determine if they are eligible.
Work-study
Some colleges and universities offer work-study programs for their students. Work-study programs allow students to earn money to cover their living expenses.
Work-study programs may include:
- Academic research
- Administrative support
- Teaching
- Other
Financial aid
Financial aid is available to students attending private, public, and some nonsectarian schools. A number of federal and private sources offer financial aid to students.
Student loans
Students attending private, public, and some nonsectarian schools may receive federal student loan financing.
Federal student loans are available for the following:
- Attendance
- Living costs
- Courses
- Supplies
- Fees
- Travel
- Books
Private loans are available for the following:
- Attendee health insurance
- Books and supplies
- Meating
- Meatalab
Private loans, such as the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan Repayment Program (Direct loan repayment), are also available to:
- Graduate students
- Undergraduates
- Graduate students with disabilities
- Undergraduate students with disabilities
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan Repayment Program
The Direct Loan Repayment Program is available to students who are not receiving financial aid.
Direct Loans
Direct Loans are available to students attending private, public, and some nonsectarian schools.
Direct Loans are offered through the Direct Loan Repayment Program. Students may be eligible for a Direct Loan if they are not receiving financial aid.
Direct Loans are available to:
- Students attending private colleges and universities
- Students attending public colleges and universities
- Undergraduate and graduate school students
- Graduate school students with disabilities
- Undergraduate and graduate school students with disabilities
Private loans
Private loans are available to students attending private, public, and some nonsectarian schools.
Private Loans are offered through the Direct Loan Repayment Program. Students may be eligible for a Private Loan if they are not receiving financial aid.
Private Loans are available to:
- Students attending private colleges and university
- Undergraduate and graduate school
- Undergraduate and graduate student with disabilities
Consolidation loans
Consolidation Loans are available to students attending private, public, and some nonsectarian schools.
Consolidation Loans are offered through the Direct Loan Repayment Program. Students may be eligible for a Consolidation Loan if they are not receiving financial aid.
Consolidation Loans are available to:
- Students attending private colleges and
- Universities
- Undergraduate and
- Graduate school students
- Graduate student with disabilities
Federal Perkins Loans
Federal Perkins Loans are available to:
- Undergraduate
- Graduate
- Undergraduate with
- Disabilities
- Graduate with
Graduate Direct Loan
Graduate Direct Loan is available to students attending private, public, and some nonsectarian schools.
Graduate Direct Loans are offered through the Direct Loan Repayment Program. Students may be eligible for a Direct Loan if they are not receiving financial aid.
Graduate Direct Loans are available to:
- Undergrad
- Undergrad with
Private Direct Loans
The Direct Loan program is available to students attending:
- Private colleges and
- Undergrads
- Undergrads with
Other federal loans
The Direct Loan Repayment Program is a program that provides students with a federal loan to cover their living expenses while attending school.
The Direct Loan Repayment Program is also available to students who are not receiving any financial aid.
To summarize
Students attending public and private schools may be eligible for financial aid.
Students attending public schools may be eligible for federal financial aid.
Students attending public schools may be eligible for a federal loan or direct loan.
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