Studying at U.S. higher education institutions is still attractive for international students as a result of weak dollar. While the annual tuition fees increased by 5.9 percent from 2008 to 2009 in general, the real cost of education at American universities and colleges is still reasonable.

Due to worsening economic conditions in the U.S. economy and budgetary cuts in federal and state governments, public universities and colleges had to raise their tuitions 6-10 percent while private and non-profit institutions raised their tuitions only 4.4 percent according to data gathered by College Board, a non-profit organization.

Traditionally, private higher education institutions in the United States have higher tuition rates as compared to public universities as they try to admit highly successful American and foreign students.  However, higher tuition fees by private higher education institutions are partially, compensated by scholarships and grants provided by foundations and endowment funds.

Tuition rates differ widely within the United States. Private universities and colleges in south-west regions of the U.S. have lower rates as compared to those in north-east regions.

Tuition of “private” universities and colleges: In 2009, the average tuition fees in southwest are in the range of $22,500 for four-year higher education institutions and about $3,992 for private two-year colleges in south-west.

Tuition of “public” universities and colleges: Students paid $9,400 for four-year universities and $1,857 for two-year colleges in south-west in 2009.

In general, out-of-state students and foreign or international students pay higher tuition fees as compared to in-state students (living in the same state).