Report Indicates 10% Increase in Average College Costs for Families

A Sallie Mae report shows average college costs for families reached $34,019 in the 2025-26 academic year, a 10% increase from the prior year. Families covered 49% of expenses, with scholarships and grants at 27%, and borrowing at 22%. New federal student lending caps, including a $20,000 annual limit for Parent PLUS loans, are influencing the borrowing landscape.