For many years, college costs (including tuition, fees, and room and board) increases have been higher than the inflation rate, averaging 5% to 8% per year. According to the College Board's Trends in College Pricing, the average total costs at present in dollars is $19,500 for students attending in-state four-year public colleges and universities and $41,000 for students at four-year private colleges and universities. Assume an additional $5,000 per year for textbooks, supplies, transportation, and other expenses. Using a 7% per year inflation rate, how much can a sophomore high-school student expect to spend on in-state tuition, fees, and room and board for the freshman year (3 years from now) at a four-year public university?
A sophomore high-school student is expected to spend $ for the freshman year.