Private colleges and universities often have higher tuition and fees, on average, than public colleges, since they are not funded by the government. In 2010-11, the average tuition and fees at a private not-for-profit college were $26,769, while tuition and fees at private for-profit colleges came in at $14,236.The costs of books and supplies at private not-for-profit colleges was $1,217, while the cost of books at for-profit colleges was lower, at $799.he average tuition and fees at an in-state public college was $7,249, during the 2010-11 school year. Books and supplies cost an additional $1,194. Total costs of attendance at public four-year colleges will vary based on the student's living situation.