Studying abroad can cut college costs in half

Determining the value of a college degree requires some new math: currency conversion.

The appeal of not just studying abroad, but getting a degree abroad, seems particularly attractive amid rising U.S. college costs.

The average cost to attend a private four-year college in the U.S. is $42,419 for the 2014-15 academic year, according to The College Board.

That's up 60 percent from 10 years ago. Rates for a public four-year college average $18,943, a 78 percent increase over the same period.

Read more: "Especially since the recession in '08, people are shorter on money and there needs to be more value in the education parents and students are pursuing,"