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Roughly ** million students were enrolled in postsecondary degree‑granting institutions in the United States in 2023. Of these, about **** million attended public colleges and *** million private institutions. By 2031, total enrollment is projected to edge above **** million.

What is the most expensive college in the U.S.?

Higher education is big business in America. The country has roughly colleges and universities, with California home to the largest share among states. One factor looms largest for prospective students and their parents: cost. In the 2023-24 academic year, Pepperdine University in California was the priciest option, with annual expenses exceeding * U.S. dollars. College bills are driven mainly by tuition, room and board. The difference between living on or off campus is often modest—though it can vary sharply from town to town.

The differences between public and private colleges

Public colleges, or state schools, are funded largely by state governments in the U.S. Private institutions, on the other hand, rely more heavily on tuition, donors, and endowments. They are typically much more expensive than their public counterparts. State colleges usually charge lower 'in‑state' tuition to local residents and higher rates for those from elsewhere, whereas private colleges tend to levy the same tuition regardless of where students come from.