In 1917, you only had about 300 colleges and universities to choose from in the U.S., but you also paid a lot less to attend. Tuition at a private college ran from $75 to $150 per year, with higher numbers at Ivy League schools like the University of Pennsylvania, which charged $200 for tuition. Add in room and board at $185-$350 and textbooks for up to $25 and your cost could be close to $600 per year for private school.