Breaking the bank: What are some of the most expensive colleges in the U.S.?

Greetings! I'm starting my college hunt and while I know college is generally expensive, I'm curious about the upper echelon. Does anyone have a list or know offhand which schools hold the title for most expensive? I'm just curious!

In looking at the cost of higher education, it's important to note that what's often cited is the sticker price - which is the full cost of attendance without taking financial aid into consideration. Many students do not end up paying this sticker price due to merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and other forms of aid, but it's still a useful measure to get a sense of overall costs.

As of 2024, some of the most expensive colleges in the U.S (based on sticker price) include:

1. Columbia University: Known as an Ivy League institution in New York, Columbia is often considered one of the most expensive colleges. The cost of tuition, fees, room, and board is in the neighborhood of $93,000 per year.

2. Vassar College: This private liberal arts college in New York has costs of attendance around $89,000 per year.

3. New York University: Located in the heart of New York City, NYU's tuition, fees, room, and board also hover around $87,000 per year for a residential student.

4. University of Southern California: USC, a private institution in Los Angeles, has an even higher cost of attendance for residential students, around $95,000 per year.

5. University of Chicago: This midwestern school in Chicago, Illinois has a high sticker price too, at around $93,000 per year for residential students.

Remember, these figures can change, so it's always good to check the institution's official website for the most updated tuition fees and other related costs.

Also, as high as these figures might seem, it's crucial to remember that most students typically do not pay the sticker price, due to the availability of financial aid and scholarships. Always complete a federal financial application (FAFSA) and check into school-specific scholarships to understand what you could be expected to pay. Schools such as Columbia University, for example, have generous financial aid policies and may cover up to 100% of demonstrated need.