The "sticker price" before scholarships or aid. Very few students pay this full amount.
The typical amount students who borrowed money owe when they finish their degree.
After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays $12,492 per year — significantly less than the sticker price for many students.
The median student loan debt at graduation is $3,500. Given median earnings of $21,111, this represents a manageable debt-to-income ratio for most graduates.