Community college tuition rises modestly as financial aid expands nationwide
Community college students in the United States have received a boost in financial aid, with first-time, full-time students having their tuition and fees fully covered by grants since 2009-10. Meanwhile, tuition prices have seen a modest increase nationally, with a significant variation in costs across states.
The average tuition-and-fees sticker price for public two-year colleges in the U.S. has risen by 2.7% to $4,150 for the 2025-26 academic year. However, this increase is not uniform across the country. Nine states managed to keep their tuition increases at or below 1%, demonstrating a commitment to affordability.
Tuition and fees for full-time, in-district students at community colleges vary greatly by state. California offers the lowest price at $1,440, while Vermont has the highest at $8,900. The average sticker prices for the nine states that maintained or reduced tuition are not explicitly stated, but their efforts contribute to the overall affordability of community college education in the United States.
While tuition prices have generally increased, the commitment to affordability in some states and the continued full coverage of tuition and fees for first-time, full-time students through grants ensure that community college remains an accessible option for many. However, the significant variation in costs across states highlights the need for continued efforts to maintain affordability nationwide.
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