Okay so I am trying to figure out my college list, and I want to be thorough. So does anyone know where I can find info on the 20 most expensive colleges in the US? I want to make sure I'm financially prepared if I decide to apply to one of them.
I'd recommend starting with research on each college's website to get the correct tuition and fees. Many sites report the average tuition, but the costs can often be a little higher than these estimates. Look for official sources, like the college's official site, instead of using third-party sites which sometimes have outdated information.
Since you're looking for the 20 most expensive colleges, you might define "expensive" as the overall cost of attendance, which includes room and board, fees, travel expenses, etc., in addition to tuition. Be sure to include each of these figures in your calculations to get a fuller sense of the cost of college.
Also, do consider making the use of each school's net price calculator, available on their individual financial aid websites. This will give you a more accurate estimate of what you might pay, including financial aid, which commonly reduces the sticker price for many families.
Remember that top colleges often have generous need-based financial aid policies. Some might have a policy where families earning under certain amounts aren't expected to pay tuition or even the full cost of attendance. For instance, at Harvard, families who earn less than $85,000 per year pay nothing towards the cost of attendance, and those who earn between $85,000 and $150,000 annually will pay between 0 and 10% of their annual income.
So while overall costs may seem high initially, these financial aspects can substantially change the picture. Good luck with your research and applications!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.