Nationwide college tuition costs have continued to rise this fall and students are relying more on federal aid, according to two recent College Board reports.

Public four-year schools, many of which have suffered at the hands of state budget cuts, have seen their average in-state tuition and fees this fall rise 7.9 percent, $555, to $7,605. The average cost of attendance at private schools has increased 4.5 percent, $1,164, to $27,293.

As the cost of attending college rises, expanded federal aid is helping to keep the cost in check for many students. Tax credits, veterans’ benefits and a record expansion of the Pell Grant program for low-income students – an increase of almost $10 billion from the year before – are able to moderately hold down the net tuition and fees.