I just checked the total cost estimates for the two closest 4-year public universities to where I live. They are both around $35k. These estimates do include

I just checked the total cost estimates for the two closest 4-year public universities to where I live. They are both around $35k. These estimates do include costs like food and housing. Tuition+fees+books alone are about $14k and $17k, plus an additional $3k for health insurance (which is semi-mandatory; my employer provided health-insurance does not meet the requirements to waive this, so if my kids were to go there, they would be required to buy it).