Learning Quest is a paid sponsor of FOX 43 AM Live and is responsible for this content. TOPEKA (KTMJ) – The cost of college has steadily increased over the last 30 years. In that timeframe, tuition costs at public four-year colleges grew from $4,160 to $10,740 and from $19,360 to $38,070 at private nonprofit institutions. As costs have risen, so has the need for student loans and other forms of financial aid.