What does college cost?

College can be expensive if you don’t have a plan. Costs vary from school to school, but private schools are generally more expensive than public schools. In addition to tuition, fees, books and supplies, you have to think about living expenses (such as room and board), and other expenses such as health insurance, child care, transportation, and spending money. These expenses are all part of what is called the cost of attendance or COA. The cost of attendance is different for every school.