What is the average total cost of a four-year degree at a public university when including tuition, fees, room, and board?

• A. $50,000
• B. $100,000
• C. $150,000
• D. $200,000

Answer: (B)

Think about what you’re paying over four years. For a public university, the total cost includes tuition and mandatory fees plus room and board each year. A common ballpark for in-state students is about $25,000 per year for these combined costs. Multiply that by four years and you’re around $100,000 in total. That’s why the $100,000 option best fits the typical four-year picture at a public school.

The other amounts don’t line up with the usual annual cost. About $50,000 would imply roughly $12,500 per year, which is far below most public in-state cost estimates. About $150,000 or $200,000 would require paying roughly $37,500 to $50,000 per year, which is more than the average in-state public tuition plus room and board and is more typical of out-of-state public tuition or private college costs. Keep in mind, actual totals vary by state and institution, but the common, reasonable estimate for a four-year public in-state experience centers near $100,000.