We asked ChatGPT, “What is the most searched college prep question by parents?”

msshymika7
Dec 11, 2025
1 min read

The answer was no surprise: “How much will college really cost?”

According to U.S. News, the average in-state tuition at a public university is $11,371 per year. But tuition is only part of the picture. When you add housing, meal plans, campus fees, transportation, and daily living expenses, the true cost of college can climb to nearly $25,000 per year.

At PreCollege Solutions, financial literacy is one of our core pillars. We help families understand the real price of college—and the smartest ways to pay for it. Our number one recommendation? Scholarships.

According to Sallie Mae, scholarships are the second most common method families use to pay for college. Yes, they can be time-consuming, but the return on investment is unmatched: one application can literally save you thousands.