Which is the most expensive college?

Hi there! Out of curiosity, does anyone know which college holds the record for being the most expensive in terms of tuition and other fees? How much does it cost per year if you don't mind me asking?

Hello! The title of "most expensive college" can fluctuate from year to year due to changes in tuition and fees, but as of the latest data, Columbia University in New York City often holds this distinction. The estimated total cost of attendance for Columbia, taking into consideration tuition, fees, housing, meals, and personal expenses, was over $93,000 for the 2024-2025 academic year. This does not consider any financial aid, scholarships, or grants a student might receive to offset these costs.

However, it's important to note that while Columbia and other similar institutions have high sticker prices, they also offer significant financial aid to students who demonstrate need. For instance, at Columbia, families earning less than $60,000 a year with typical assets can expect to pay absolutely nothing toward tuition, room, board, and mandatory fees.

That being said, always review a school's net price, not just the sticker price. The net price is what you may actually expect to pay after scholarships and grants. Many schools have net price calculators on their websites to help prospective students and families estimate the cost of attendance based on their financial situation.