What are the Most Expensive Colleges in the U.S.?

As I am beginning my college application process, I wanted to make sure I'm considering all expenses. I know tuition isn't everything when it comes to cost. What are some of the most expensive colleges in the U.S. when taking into account factors like living costs, dining, etc.?

While the cost of attendance can be a determining factor in a student's decision to attend a specific college, it's indeed important that beyond just tuition, other factors like living costs, dining, textbooks, and personal expenses are taken into consideration.

Here are a few schools noteworthy for their relatively high comprehensive costs:

1. Harvey Mudd College - A renowned liberal arts college distinguished for its STEM programs, Harvey Mudd's total cost of attendance averages about $93,100 per academic year, which includes tuition, room and board, books, and personal expenses.

2. Columbia University - Nestled in the heart of New York City where the cost of living is notably high, Columbia's cost of attendance is about $93,400 per year when factoring in tuition, room and board, and additional costs related to books and personal expenses. Do note, that for students coming from families with annual incomes of less than $150,000 (and typical assets), you could potentially go to Columbia without paying tuition.

3. University of Chicago - With a robust suite of academic programs, the University of Chicago's average cost of attendance is approximately $81,000 per academic year, which includes tuition, room and board, books, and personal costs.

4. New York University - Given its location, similar to Columbia, the cost of living at NYU is considerably high, with the total cost of attendance being around $93,600 per academic year, inclusive of tuition, room and board, books, and miscellaneous costs.

5. Berea College - While it may seem expensive at first glance, tuition at Berea is actually free. All students receive a tuition promise scholarship, so the $64,000 annual cost is largely for room, board, and personal expenses - but this is usually covered by other scholarships, work-study, and financial aid.

While these colleges might be expensive, keep in mind that they often have robust financial aid programs. These programs aim to ensure that students from all income levels have access to their educational offerings. Do run their online net price calculators to get a rough estimate of how much attending these schools might cost for you personally, accounting for financial aid. At some of these colleges, like Harvard and Columbia, if a student's family makes less than a certain income, they may not owe anything at all. It's always good to factor potential financial aid packages into your decisions.