Where is college most affordable? See how your state ranks

WASHINGTON - A college degree can boost future earnings, but rising costs are making higher education harder to afford, with a new WalletHub analysis highlighting how affordability varies by state.

The average cost of attending a four-year public college has increased about 26% over the past 20 years, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

WalletHub examined in-state undergraduate tuition, room and board, and other college expenses across 48 states, comparing those costs with median household income to determine where higher education is most and least affordable.

What they're saying:

"College education is getting more and more difficult to afford, with cost increases well outpacing inflation," WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said. "As a result, people have been forced to take out more and more loans, with the average student loan debt now standing at nearly $44,000."

"The good news is that living in certain states and attending a school with in-state tuition can greatly defray the cost of undergraduate education, minimizing the amount students need to borrow," he added.

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States That Spend the Most on Education

Dig deeper:

Rhode Island

Rhode Island ranks as the least affordable state for higher education, according to WalletHub. Average annual college costs total $79,194, or 90.2% of the state’s median household income of $87,796.

Maine

Maine ranks second, with average annual college expenses of $59,929. That amounts to 80.2% of the state’s median household income of $74,733.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania ranks third, with average annual college costs of $57,498, including tuition, on-campus housing, books and other expenses. That represents 73.7% of the state’s median household income of $77,971.

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6 ways to save on college

What you can do:

WalletHub offered these tips to help students manage college costs:

• Consider an in-state public college. Attending a public school in your home state can lower tuition costs and reduce borrowing.
• Seek scholarships and grants. Look for opportunities through community groups, nonprofits and other organizations before and during college.
• Buy used textbooks. Compare prices from online sellers and former students to save on required books.
• Make a budget. Track income and expenses, and prioritize essentials to stretch your money.
• Prepare your own meals. If you have access to a kitchen, compare grocery costs with campus dining options to find potential savings.
• Consider part-time work. A campus job or position with a local business can help cover everyday expenses while accommodating your classes.

Methodology:

WalletHub compared college costs for full-time, in-state undergraduates living on campus across 48 states, then ranked them based on those costs as a share of each state’s median annual household income. Alaska and Wyoming were excluded because of limited data.

The analysis used U.S. Census Bureau and National Center for Education Statistics data collected as of Oct. 15, 2026.

 

Education