Pennsylvania State University had the highest in-state tuition for a four-year public university at $15,250 during the 2010-11 school year. When the costs of room, board and other expenses are factored in, the total rises to $19,816, the fourth highest net price nationwide.ommunity colleges, Duncan noted, remain one of the most consistently affordable options for higher education: The average net price of a community college increased by less than 1% between 2007 and 2009. Tuition, room and board average $8,085 at a public, two-year institution in 2010.