Education Inflation

Women with bachelor’s degrees earn an average of $630K more over their lifetimes compared to those with only a high school diploma. Yet, despite the substantial difference, the significant financial burden of a college education deters many women from seeking sorority membership—or higher education altogether. Here's how it breaks down:

In-state tuition at public institutions varies widely by state, but the national average for tuition at 4-year college is $11,610 per year. That price more than doubles for out-of-state tuition and averages $55K at private institutions.

On-campus room and board averages $12,986 at a public institution and $15,802 for private. This represents a 68% increase since 2000.

Off-campus living expenses average around $16K per year for groceries, rent, utilities, furniture, internet access and other miscellaneous items.

Textbooks and supplies cost around $1.2K per year. Depending on major, additional software and supplies can cost upwards of $500, with some programs in health sciences and engineering seeing increases as high as $7K.

Additional opportunities like unpaid internships, study abroad programs, participation in academic competitions, and membership in professional societies can make a resume stand out, but can be cost-prohibitive and inaccessible for many students.

Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Virginia represent states with the highest costs for public undergraduate tuition and housing. Florida, Wyoming, Utah, Montana, and Mississippi are the least expensive.

Expenses like transportation, a cell phone and a monthly plan, a laptop, clothing, toiletries, and other personal items can add another $4K per year.

Women, who typically earn less than men (regardless of experience), are more likely to take longer to pay off loans and experience higher debt-toincome ratios throughout their careers.

The average debt for undergraduate student loans sits at around $30K. If paid over a 10-year period, an additional $20K in interest will accrue over time. Costs for advanced degrees can be up to 10 times that amount.

Gifts That Grow

Access to higher education can be life-changing, but the rising cost has made college expenses increasingly difficult for many to afford. In fact, more than 1,000 Tri Sigma collegians have cited financial reasons for depledging or terminating their membership in the past five years.

Through generous donations, we can help more members achieve their academic and professional goals without the burden of overwhelming student debt. Your support also empowers opportunities outside the classroom. When students graduate with less debt, they are better positioned to invest in their own future. They take on leadership roles, explore careers that align with their values, and pay forward the generosity that helped them succeed.

The Tri Sigma Foundation has awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarship aid to members—and we want to do more! For more information on how you can help expand Tri Sigma’s scholarship support, contact Foundation Executive Director Shelly Bateman at sbateman@trisigma.org or call (540) 459-4212 to speak with a member of the Foundation staff.

Applications for 2025-26 scholarships open in early 2025 at trisigmafoundation.org/scholarships. Any Tri Sigma pursuing a graduate or undergraduate degree is eligible to apply.