American Unis are a mix of private and public. Religious ones are typically private, and "State" (U of Michigan, Michigan State, Oklahoma, Ohio State, etc.) ones are usually public.
$2500 sounds like a *very* reasonable tuition level... my undergrad (U of Detroit, private Jesuit school) was $250/credit back then, and probably more now. U of M was around $450/credit... that $2500 would get you 1-2 courses, not 1-2 semesters!
An old girlfriend started off at Lansing Community College instead of a full four year uni. She only paid $17/credit... what I paid for one course would cover her for a year! Other schools are less expensive as well, but you need to remember the difference between an investment and an expense. An Investment (like tuition) provides a return (earnings potential, job, career, etc.). An expense is gone shortly thereafter (room, board, etc.). Make sure you invest your money wisely...
