Colleges often report a combined tuition and fees figure. According to the College Board, the average cost of tuition and fees for the 2014–2015 school year was $31,231 at private colleges, $9,139 for state residents at public colleges, and $22,958 for out-of-state residents attending public universities.he College Board reports the average cost for books and supplies for the 2014–2015 school year was $1,146 at public colleges and $1,244 at private colleges.