Sample data. These numbers are illustrative placeholders and have not been verified against a source.
How much does a college degree cost?
The total depends on public versus private school, in-state versus out-of-state tuition, housing, and how long it takes you to finish.
The typical cost is $100,000, with a range of $20,000 to $250,000 (US, 2026).
Four-year bachelor’s degree
US · 2026$100,000 typical
Source: PLACEHOLDER: replace with a verified source
Tuition is only part of it. Housing, food, books, transport and fees can equal or exceed it. Public in-state schools are usually the cheapest, private schools the most expensive.
Scholarships, grants, community-college credits and finishing on time reduce what you actually pay.
More in Learning
How long does it take to learn guitar?
You can play simple songs within weeks, while playing confidently across styles takes a few years of practice.
Typical: 12 months
How long does it take to learn to code?
Basics take weeks, a job-ready skill set takes many months, and the learning never fully stops.
Typical: 9 months
How much does a coding bootcamp cost?
Bootcamp prices vary with length, format and whether the school offers deferred tuition or income-share agreements.
Typical: $13,000
How long does it take to learn Spanish?
Reaching a comfortable conversational level takes months of regular study, and fluency takes longer.
Typical: 12 months
Last updated · How we get these numbers