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Which state has the most expensive college?

Hey, folks! I'm just curious (not that I can afford super expensive) but does anyone know which is the most expensive state for college in the US? How are students typically able to finance their education at such institutions?

a year ago

When discussing the most expensive state for college in the U.S., it's important to approach this from the perspective of public and private universities separately. Private schools' tuition often varies more significantly amongst states and often don't reflect the cost of education in the state overall, while public universities' in-state tuition could give a more consistent approximation.

For private universities, Massachusetts and New York host many prestigious and high-cost schools. Schools like MIT, Harvard, Columbia University, and NYU are known for their high sticker prices, although these colleges also frequently offer substantial need-based financial aid. Please remember, though, that the most expensive private college might not reflect the overall college costs in the state, due to the variation in tuition fees among private colleges within the same state.

When it comes to public schools, it's generally agreed that Pennsylvania has the highest in-state tuition, with the University of Pittsburgh and Penn State coming up often.

Now, regarding financing education, most students typically resort to a combination of federal student loans, personal savings, scholarships, grants, and possibly work-study programs. There is also the option of private loans, but these can often have higher interest rates and should be considered carefully.

In many cases, even the most expensive institutions may offer significant merit-based and need-based aid, which can drastically reduce the out-of-pocket costs for students. So, the "sticker price" might not be the actual price a student ends up paying.

As a rule of thumb, never let the sticker price deter you from applying to a university that otherwise aligns with your academic and career goals. Financial aid packages can be surprising, and there are always alternative means of financing available.

a year ago

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