It's no secret that going to college in America comes with a hefty price tag, but where you go to school can make a big difference in your final total (and your finances after graduation).
Before you start looking at the numbers and getting all bummed out, know that there are ways to cut down these costs. Scholaroo experts say, "There are many ways of reducing the cost of college. Scholarships, grants, and financial aid are available to help reduce tuition costs, allowing students to pursue their dreams without breaking the bank. Additionally, some schools offer discounted rates for out-of-state students and have special programs for military families."
They also shared three helpful tips for anyone who's applying to scholarships:
1. Don't just apply for one or two. "It is best to apply for more than a few scholarships. This increases your chances of winning."
2. Start applying ASAP. "Go through the details and make sure to apply as soon as possible when any scholarship opens. The sooner you apply, the more scholarships you will be able to apply for alongside which is best to help score one."
3. Look for scholarships with very specific requirements. "The more specific the requirements are, the fewer people are eligible." You have a better chance of winning the prize money when the pool of applicants is smaller.
Without further ado, here's the breakdown of the average cost of college in every state, ranked from least to most expensive:
1. North Dakota
2. Mississippi
Average Cost of College: $28,089
Average Cost of Public College: $28,393
Average Cost of Private College: $27,785
3. South Dakota
Average Cost of College: $29,831
Average Cost of Public College: $24,006
Average Cost of Private College: $37,985
4. Arkansas
5. Alaska
Average Cost of College: $30,963
Average Cost of Public College: $32,800
Average Cost of Private College: $27,290
6. New Mexico
Average Cost of College: $31,747
Average Cost of Public College: $27,741
Average Cost of Private College: $47,771
7. Wyoming
8. Oklahoma
Average Cost of College: $32,481
Average Cost of Public College: $28,550
Average Cost of Private College: $36,714
9. Utah
Average Cost of College: $32,768
Average Cost of Public College: $32,333
Average Cost of Private College: $33,639
10. Idaho
11. Nebraska
Average Cost of College: $33,965
Average Cost of Public College: $28,635
Average Cost of Private College: $36,249
12. Alabama
Average Cost of College: $34,391
Average Cost of Public College: $34,779
Average Cost of Private College: $34,030
13. West Virginia
14. Hawaii
Average Cost of College: $35,612
Average Cost of Public College: $42,690
Average Cost of Private College: $32,073
15. Missouri
Average Cost of College: $35,677
Average Cost of Public College: $30,840
Average Cost of Private College: $37,424
16. Louisiana
17. Montana
Average Cost of College: $36,548
Average Cost of Public College: $35,339
Average Cost of Private College: $38,360
18. Georgia
Average Cost of College: $36,842
Average Cost of Public College: $31,783
Average Cost of Private College: $41,359
19. Kansas
20. Texas
Average Cost of College: $37,631
Average Cost of Public College: $33,980
Average Cost of Private College: $40,674
21. Nevada
Average Cost of College: $37,876
Average Cost of Public College: $39,890
Average Cost of Private College: $38,072
22. New Jersey
23. Michigan
Average Cost of College: $38,241
Average Cost of Public College: $33,390
Average Cost of Private College: $41,152
24. Kentucky
Average Cost of College: $38,354
Average Cost of Public College: $36,142
Average Cost of Private College: $39,158
25. Florida
26. Arizona
Average Cost of College: $39,041
Average Cost of Public College: $39,890
Average Cost of Private College: $38,072
27. Tennessee
Average Cost of College: $39,129
Average Cost of Public College: $39,502
Average Cost of Private College: $39,027
28. South Carolina
29. Washington
Average Cost of College: $39,852
Average Cost of Public College: $30,221
Average Cost of Private College: $53,928
30. North Carolina
Average Cost of College: $40,447
Average Cost of Public College: $33,755
Average Cost of Private College: $43,123
31. Wisconsin
32. Minnesota
Average Cost of College: $41,048
Average Cost of Public College: $27,856
Average Cost of Private College: $46,853
33. Delaware
Average Cost of College: $41,067
Average Cost of Public College: $41,214
Average Cost of Private College: $40,919
34. New York
35. Ohio
Average Cost of College: $42,998
Average Cost of Public College: $36,063
Average Cost of Private College: $45,091
36. Maine
Average Cost of College: $43,911
Average Cost of Public College: $32,708
Average Cost of Private College: $51,040
37. Iowa
38. Illinois
Average Cost of College: $44,586
Average Cost of Public College: $35,433
Average Cost of Private College: $46,923
39. Indiana
Average Cost of College: $45,059
Average Cost of Public College: $36,456
Average Cost of Private College: $48,439
40. Colorado
41. Maryland
Average Cost of College: $46,293
Average Cost of Public College: $38,644
Average Cost of Private College: $51,074
42. Virginia
Average Cost of College: $47,551
Average Cost of Public College: $47,108
Average Cost of Private College: $47,806
43. Pennsylvania
44. Oregon
Average Cost of College: $48,308
Average Cost of Public College: $43,483
Average Cost of Private College: $50,720
45. New Hampshire
Average Cost of College: $48,989
Average Cost of Public College: $42,302
Average Cost of Private College: $51,664
46. California
47. Connecticut
Average Cost of College: $52,456
Average Cost of Public College: $44,766
Average Cost of Private College: $55,170
48. Vermont
Average Cost of College: $52,913
Average Cost of Public College: $44,887
Average Cost of Private College: $55,589
49. Massachusetts
50. Rhode Island
Average Cost of College: $56,861
Average Cost of Public College: $41,618
Average Cost of Private College: $60,671