How Much Does the Average Bachelor's Degree Cost?

The average bachelor's degree cost varies widely by school type and whether you qualify for in-state tuition. But the average cost of college can reach six figures for four years of school. 

For the 2025-26 academic year, the average cost of attending an in-state public school was $30,990 per year for full-time undergraduate students, according to the College Board. Multiply that by four years for a bachelor’s degree, and the estimated cost is $123,960. 

In this guide, we cover ways to lower costs and smart ways to pay for college. 

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How much does a bachelor's degree cost by school type?

The cost for a bachelor’s degree can vary widely depending on whether you attend a public or private university, and whether you’re an in-state or out-of-state student.

These are average published (sticker) costs of attendance by school type for full-time undergraduates in the 2025–26 academic year, covering tuition and fees, housing and food, books and supplies, transportation, and other expenses. They reflect what schools charge before any financial aid you may receive.

Both federal and state financial aid options like grants, scholarships, and student loans can impact how much you pay for a bachelor’s degree. Some universities may provide students with more institutional aid despite high sticker prices, which can also lower the cost of getting a bachelor’s degree.

What factors affect the cost of a bachelor’s degree?

Knowing how much the average bachelor's degree costs is important. However, keep in mind that many factors contribute to overall costs. 

The factors that can affect the cost of a bachelor’s degree include: 

• Type of school: Public schools are often more affordable than private schools. For example, the College Board reports that 4-year public in-state tuition and fees averaged $11,950 during the 2025-26 academic year, while private nonprofit tuition and fees averaged $45,000. 
• In-state vs. out-of-state school: Whether you’re an in-state or out-of-state student also affects the average cost of college. While College Board data shows that public 4-year in-state tuition and fees averaged $11,950 in 2025-26 for full-time undergraduate students, that number jumps to $31,880 for out-of-state students. 
• Major: Every major has different requirements for books, supplies, and equipment. Some degrees can cost more than others, so check your program’s required supply list to budget.
• Graduation timeline: How long it takes you to complete your degree can affect total costs. For example, adding 1 or 2 semesters to get enough credits means paying more tuition and fees.
• Living arrangement: Whether you live on or off campus or with your family can impact costs. Geographic regions can also affect housing costs. 
• Travel costs: If you have to commute to school or attend a university away from your parents, you may have additional travel costs such as gas or flights. 

How can you lower the cost of your degree?

As the average cost of college has continued to rise, figuring out ways to reduce expenses is more important than ever. 

“Families can work on strategies to maximize merit and/or need-based aid. This starts with trying to find schools that want the student, not just likely to accept the student,” says Jack Wang, a college financial aid adviser at Innovative Advisory Group and host of the Smart College Buyer podcast. 

“Students can also apply for outside scholarships as well as take advantage of any employer tuition reimbursement or employer pay plans.”

Some tips for making college more affordable can include:

• Submitting the FAFSA early every year
• Applying for scholarships every year
• Comparing average college tuition at public vs. private schools
• Considering a public, in-state school for lower costs
• Living with your family, if possible
• Reviewing options for starting at a community college and then transferring to a 4-year university

What are the best ways to pay for a bachelor's degree?

Though the cost of a bachelor's degree varies by school type, paying for everything out-of-pocket can still be a challenge even if you and your family choose the most affordable option. 

To pay for a bachelor’s degree, it’s crucial for families to pool resources and use a combination of methods. 

“Most families use a mix of scholarships, grants, 529 plan savings, current income, work-study, and student loans to pay for a bachelor’s degree,” says Becca Craig, certified student loan professional (CSLP) and certified financial planner (CFP) at Focus Partners Wealth. 

“If loans are needed, federal loans should generally come before private loans because they offer more flexible repayment options and afford the borrower more protection compared to most private loans,” advises Craig.

These are some of the best ways to pay for a bachelor’s degree:

• Scholarships and grants: Referred to as gift aid, scholarships and grants don’t need to be repaid and can lower your total college costs. Undergraduate students who demonstrate strong financial need may qualify for Federal Pell Grants. 
• 529 plan: This is a tax-advantaged account available to families who want to save for future educational costs. Families with an account can use 529 funds to help pay for college. 
• Existing savings: Families and students may use a portion of existing savings to lower costs. 
• Part-time work: Students may be able to offset some educational costs through part-time work, whether through a traditional job or as part of the work-study program. 
• Tuition reimbursement: Some employers offer tuition reimbursement options when you're pursuing a degree in a relevant field. 
• Student loans: If you’ve exhausted your options and need to figure out how to pay for college, student loans may help. Federal subsidized and unsubsidized loans can help. However, there are loan limits that cap how much students can borrow. If there’s a gap in funding, private student loans may be an option. In many cases, undergraduate students may need an eligible cosigner for private loans. 

Is a bachelor's degree worth the cost?

The average bachelor's degree cost has increased substantially, while corresponding wages have lagged. As a result, families and students may be wondering: Is a bachelor's degree worth it? 

The answer depends on many factors, including your future goals and total financial picture. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that full-time workers aged 25 and over with a high school diploma but no college degree had median weekly earnings of $994 as of the second quarter of 2026. College graduates with a bachelor’s degree had higher median weekly earnings of $1,628. 

The unemployment rate can also vary among those who have a college degree and those who don’t. As of the end of the second quarter of 2026, recent college graduates aged 22 to 27 had an unemployment rate of 5.7%, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Other workers in the same age group without a bachelor’s degree had a higher unemployment rate of 7.2%. 

Given these factors, students who get a bachelor’s degree can still come out on top financially. But going to college might not be as obvious a choice as it once was. When weighing options, it’s key to think short-term and long-term and prepare financially. 

“Before borrowing, students should consider the total cost of the degree, expected starting salary, future monthly payment, and whether that payment will still leave room for housing, emergencies, and retirement savings,” says Craig. 

“Understandably, this is honestly a lot to ask of a young student, so it can help to involve family members or seek guidance from a career counselor on campus,” she adds.