I didn't see any real numbers, so I think this thread can use some real life current dollar amounts.
I am in the process of enrolling my child at Utah State University. Middle of the road, good school, but middle of the road at best. It is a small school in a small town that survives on the school. Ranked 3rd lowest overall tuition in the nation (according to them.)
All numbers are per semester for the 2015-2016 year:
Tuition and fees 12-18 credits (12 is full time): $3350
Housing (depends on which dorm is assigned): $1500
Required Meal Package (depends on how many meals per day and are purchased in packages of 10, 15, 20, and 25 meals per week) at 15 meals per week: $1690
Per semester, going to a State College for 2015-16 academic year is $6540 or $13,080.00 per year. That number does not include books and supplies, gasoline, extra fees in some classes, parking pass, library pass (I think,) and so on.
Take the $6540 and subtract any scholarships, grants, federal student aid, etc., to calculate your "out of pocket" cost, or how much cash you, mom, & dad need to come up with. If the scholarships, grants, and federal student aid per semester added together are more than the tuition, room, food, etc., then a check for the balance is sent to the student.
EDIT: clarification