The cost of attending college continues to increase. The College Board (www.collegeboard.com) recently reported that 2011–2012 tuition and fees have risen significantly. For example, the cost for tuition and fees at private nonprofit four-year colleges and universities is up 4.5% from 2010–2011 to an average of $28,500. Similar published costs to attend for-profit institutions are up 3.2% from last year to $14,487.

The College Board indicates the average cost to attend public four-year colleges and universities is up 8.3% from last year to $8,244 for in-state tuition and fees. For out-of-state students, the cost is up 5.7% to an average of $20,770. Tuition and fees costs at public two-year colleges are up 8.7% to an average of $2,963.

On the bright side, the College Board indicates subsidies provided to students through the combination of education tax credits and deductions increased to an estimated $14.8 billion in 2010–2011.