Time is money

Average cost of a year's tuition, fees, room and board at a private college in 2004-05:

$27,516

Increase from 2003 to 2004:

5.6%

Cost at a four-year public institution:

$11,345

Increase from 2003 to 2004:

Cost of one year of private-school education in 18 years, assuming current growth rate:

$73,373

Cost of one year of public education in 18 years, assuming current growth rate:

$43,847