For students and parents, it's the first sliver of good news about college costs for several years: price increases slowed this year, growing at the lowest rate since 2001. But the bad news is the 7.1 percent increase at public four-year universities remains well above the general inflation rate, and drove the "list price" of tuition and fees at those schools to an average of $5,491, according to an annual survey released Tuesday by the College Board.

Including charges for room and board, published costs at public four-year schools rose 6.6 percent to an average of $11,376. At private four-year nonprofit schools, they rose 5.7 percent to $27,465.

Most families don't pay the full list price, thanks to grants from the government and other sources, as well as tax breaks. Typical net costs: $11,600 at private four-year schools; $2,200 at public four-year schools, and just $400 at community colleges.

While total financial aid is increasing, loans accounted for more of the growth than grants for the third consecutive year, the College Board said. Students have to pay back loans, but not grants.