This EPIGraph highlights the variation between published tuition and fee charges versus net tuition and fee charges, as defined by published fees minus all grant aid (not loans or other support).
As illustrated, what students pay is much lower than the published prices set by colleges and universities. In 2025-26, the net price was 19 percent of the published price at public institutions and 38 percent at private, non-profit institutions. Over the years, this ratio has increased. In 2010-11, the net price was 44 percent and 56 percent, respectively at public and private institutions.
Published prices represent a consistent challenge for students and families in terms of planning and preparing for college, as the public generally thinks the published price is what they have to pay. This is well documented as a major barrier to college access for students, especially first-generation students who do not have a college pedagree to rely on for information. This is why college access and preparation programs, as well as college counseling, is so important in terms of reducing the equity gaps between underrepresented students and those with educational legacy. It is also one of the factors that separates the US system from systems around the world: inherent complication regarding student aid and college pricing.
Exhibit 1. Published vs. Net Tuition and Fee Charges at Public Four-Year Institutions, 20010-11 to 2025-26 (in 2025 dollars)
Exhibit 2. Published vs. Net Tuition and Fee Charges at Private, Non-Profit Four-Year Institutions, 2010-11 to 2025-26 (in 2025 dollars)
SOURCE: College Board, Annual Survey of Colleges; NCES,
IPEDS Student Financial Aid data.