Hello! As I’m starting to really look into college options, I'm noticing how pricey some can be, especially for public ones. Could anyone supply some info on the most expensive public colleges in the US? Just so I can have ideas on the price range and start budgeting myself accordingly.
Absolutely, I'd be happy to provide some information on that subject. Though it's important to remember that tuition costs will vary for in-state and out-of-state students.
One of the most expensive public universities in terms of out-of-state tuition is the University of Virginia (UVA). The annual cost for out-of-state students is about $54,000 whereas in-state students pay roughly $15,000. Similar is the University of Michigan (UMich), where out-state-students pay about $60,000 annually compared to in-state students who pay closer to $18,000.
The University of California schools like UC Berkeley and UCLA also fall among the more expensive public schools in the U.S. On average, an out-of-state student can expect to pay $44,000 per year.
Another example is the William and Mary in Virginia where out-of-state tuition runs around $50,000 per year, while in-state students pay around $5.
Remember to account for living expenses as well, as those can add a significant cost on top of tuition. Also, many public universities offer substantial financial aid, so don't let the sticker price discourage you too much. It's highly recommended to apply for financial aid and scholarships to help offset costs.
If a public college is a top choice for you but cost is a factor, I would encourage you to explore schools in your home state for in-state tuition rates, or to look at schools in states where you might qualify for in-state tuition based on certain qualifications or regional agreements.
Don't forget that each college has a net price calculator on their website. Use this tool to get a more accurate estimate of what you might pay after financial aid is factored in. This can be a more realistic way to assess affordability.
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