New York college costs consume 68% of median household income

College costs in New York rank among the nation’s highest. According to a new report from personal-finance website WalletHub the payments consume more than two-thirds of the state’s median household income.

The report comes as four-year college costs have risen approximately 30% over the past two decades, creating financial strain for families nationwide.

“College education is getting more and more difficult to afford, with cost increases well outpacing inflation,” said Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst. “As a result, people have been forced to take out more and more loans, with the average student loan debt now standing at nearly $42,000.”

WalletHub analyzed data from 49 states, comparing total college costs to median household income.

Pennsylvania residents spend the most money on colle