$3,000 - 6,000 _____________________________________________ About 40 percent of undergraduates at four-year institutions attend schools where tuition and fees are between $3,000 and $6,000 per year. On average, two-year public college tuition runs about $2,182 per year. _____________________________________________

$ 6,000 _____________________________________________ Most two-year and four-year public colleges have tuitions for in-state residents that are much lower than $6,000. _____________________________________________

$9,000 _____________________________________________ Sixty-five percent of full-time undergraduates at four-year institutions attend schools where tuition and fees are less than $9,000. Many public universities have total charges that amount to less. _____________________________________________

$15,000 _____________________________________________ Seventy-four percent of colleges have tuition and fees under $15,000. In fact, even when you add in room and board, many colleges are under this figure. _____________________________________________

$20,000 _____________________________________________ The most expensive four-year private colleges list tuition and fees and room and board charges of $20,000 or above. Remember, however, that these colleges can also offer substantial financial aid packages. _____________________________________________

$30,000 _____________________________________________ Don't worry. Most colleges aren't nearly that expensive. But even if you select a school with a sticker price of around $30,000, financial aid will help make up the difference between what you can afford to pay and what college costs. _____________________________________________

TOO MUCH _____________________________________________ College is expensive, but it's a good investment. Don't let rising college costs scare you from getting an education. You may be eligible for financial aid that will significantly lower your family's financial contribution. Education loans are also an appropriate way for families to meet college costs. _____________________________________________