Community college cost in 2026
Community college costs $1,440 to $8,900 per year in 2026, and most people pay about $4,150.
What moves the price
- The state sets the price, and it varies a lot.
- Living in the college's district or state lowers tuition.
- Out-of-state students pay more.
- The number of credits taken changes the bill.
- Books, supplies and travel are extra.
- Where you live. Prices in big cities usually run higher than in small towns.
What is included
The range is per year, tuition and fees (in-district, full time). Posted tuition and fees cover classes and required school fees. Books and supplies average about $1,442 a year. Housing, food and travel come on top, so the full cost of attendance is much higher.
Average yearly tuition and fees, public two-year, in-district (College Board, 2025 to 2026)
| Place | Per year |
|---|---|
| California | $1,440 |
| New Mexico | $2,250 |
| U.S. average | $4,150 |
| Vermont | $8,900 |
Average prices in US dollars. Source: College Board.
Other averages
| Measure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average annual tuition and fees, in-district (EducationData.org, 2026) | $3,973 |
| Average annual out-of-state tuition (EducationData.org, 2026) | $9,560 |
| Average in-state tuition (BestColleges, 2022 NCES data) | $3,564 |
Average prices in US dollars. Source: College Board.
Ways to pay less
- Pick a college in the home district, which has the lowest rate.
- Fill out the FAFSA, since many students pay little after grants.
- Buy used books or use free online books.
What price guides say
We checked 4 price guides and read every number on their pages. They do not all measure the same thing, so the ranges on this page come from putting them side by side.
- College Board: Trends in College Pricing: Highlights
- EducationData.org: Average Cost of Community College
- BestColleges: How Much Does Community College Cost?
- Walnut: College Tuition Statistics (2026)
Common questions
How much does this cost in 2026?
Community college costs $1,440 to $8,900 per year in 2026, and most people pay about $4,150. Most people pay about $4,150 per year. The low end is $1,440 and the high end is $8,900.
What changes the price the most?
The biggest factors are: The state sets the price, and it varies a lot; Living in the college's district or state lowers tuition; Out-of-state students pay more.
How can I pay less?
Pick a college in the home district, which has the lowest rate. Fill out the FAFSA, since many students pay little after grants. Buy used books or use free online books.
Where do these numbers come from?
From 4 named price guides: College Board, EducationData.org, BestColleges, Walnut. Each one is linked on this page with the date we read it.
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