A new report out today from College Board shows that the average tuition at 4-year colleges is up 7 percent last year at public colleges and 6 percent at private colleges. Average tuitions are $12,000 a year at public colleges and just under $30,000 a year at private schools. The increases continue to stretch beyond the rate of inflation, putting a terrible burden on families. In addition, upon graduation students at public schools rack up about $16,000 of debt while private school attendants are about $20,000 in debt. The good news, of course, is that it’s the best kind of debt you can have because it’s an investment in your future. Clark recommends that students spend the first two years of college at a community school to save money. It’s not the same experience as a 4-year school, but the classes are the same and the instruction is much more personal.