College costs for families increased by 10% from last year, according to a new Sallie Mae and Ipsos report.

A recent report by Sallie Mae and Ipsos, published on August 12, 2026, indicates that college costs for families averaged $34,019 in the 2025-26 academic year, a 10% increase from the previous year. This rise, coupled with new federal lending caps, is prompting families to seek more scholarships and larger financial aid packages.