Average Community College Tuition Cost

For public community colleges, the average tuition is approximately $4,987 per year for in-state students and $8,699 for out-of-state students (2026).
For private colleges, the average yearly tuition is approximately $15,579 per year.
Tuition Range: $3,216 $15,034 Avg. Tuition: $7,340

Average Community College Tuition Cost (2026)

State
Average Tuition
Public Colleges
In-State
Out-State
Private Colleges
Most Affordable Colleges

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the national average community college tuition?
For public community colleges, the average tuition is approximately $4,987 per year for in-state students and $8,699 for out-of-state students (2026). For private colleges, the average yearly tuition is approximately $15,579.
What are the most expensive community college in the United States?
The most expensive community college in the United States include Clovis Community College, Louisiana Technical College-Ascension Campus and Midland College.
What is the state with the lowest average community college tuition?
The state with the lowest average community college tuition is New Mexico.

Recent Articles

Credit for Prior Learning: When Life Experience Can Shorten Your Degree
Credit for Prior Learning: When Life Experience Can Shorten Your Degree
Learn how Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) can help community college students earn college credit for military service, work experience, certifications, and prior learning, reducing both the time and cost of earning a degree.
The Working Student Schedule Test: Can You Balance College and a Job?
The Working Student Schedule Test: Can You Balance College and a Job?
Discover how to evaluate whether your work schedule is compatible with community college before classes begin, and learn practical strategies that help working students stay on track toward graduation.
Stop-Out Risk: How to Choose a Community College That Helps You Finish
Stop-Out Risk: How to Choose a Community College That Helps You Finish
Learn how to identify community colleges that actively reduce stop-out risk through proactive advising, financial support, transfer pathways, flexible scheduling, and student success services, helping you stay enrolled, complete your credential, and achieve your long-term educational goals.

Did You Know?

The least inexpensive state for community college tuition is New Mexico, with an average tuition of $3,216. The most expensive state for community college tuition is Pennsylvania, with an average tuition of $15,034.