FREE _____________________________________________ Believe it or not, there are several colleges that do not charge tuition. Many of these are affiliated with the armed services. _____________________________________________

$3,000 - 6,000 _____________________________________________ Approximately 28 percent of undergraduates at four-year institutions attend schools where tuition and fees are between $3,000 and $6,000 per year. On average, two-year public college tuition and fees run about $2,402 per year. _____________________________________________

$7,000 _____________________________________________ More than half of public four-year in-state students attend institutions with published tuition and fees of less than $7,000. _____________________________________________

$9,000 _____________________________________________ Fifty-six percent of full-time undergraduates at four-year institutions attend schools where tuition and fees are less than $9,000. Many public universities have total charges that amount to less. _____________________________________________

$15,000 _____________________________________________ Sixty-eight percent of full-time undergraduates attend four-year institutions with tuition and fees under $15,000. _____________________________________________

$25,000 _____________________________________________ Although this is the average published tuition and fees at four-year private not-for-profit institutions, the published tuition and fees at four-year public institutions are much lower. _____________________________________________

$40,000 _____________________________________________ Don't worry. Most colleges aren't nearly that expensive. But even if you select an institution with tuition and fees of around $40,000, financial aid helps make up the difference between what you can afford to pay and what college costs. _____________________________________________

TOO MUCH _____________________________________________ College is expensive, but it's a good investment. Don't let college prices keep you from getting an education. You may be eligible for financial aid that can significantly lower the amount your family is expected to pay. Education loans are also an appropriate way for families to meet college costs. _____________________________________________