Many adults overestimate the cost of college or believe that all schools are expensive. For example, a 1996 survey found that members of the public overestimated the tuition of both public two- and four-year colleges by two to three times the actual average tuition, a mistake of more than $3,000. Although some colleges are expensive, costs vary from institution to institution. In addition, the availability of financial aid — money available from various sources to help students pay f......