Who's got the scoop on Business Insider's most expensive college list?

I stumbled upon an article by Andy Kiersz on Business Insider about the most expensive colleges across the states. Before I get deeper into researching these institutions, does anyone have thoughts or experiences with these schools worth sharing?

Absolutely, it's helpful to keep in mind that while a school might be high on lists like these, that doesn't necessarily mean you'll end up paying that sticker price. The majority of students receive some form of financial aid that lowers the actual cost. Several of the schools on the list are likely highly regarded institutions with substantial endowments, meaning they could potentially offer generous financial aid packages.

As an example, many Ivy League schools, including Columbia, Dartmouth, and Harvard, have extremely high sticker prices, but due to their large endowments, they are able to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need and have strong financial aid programs. In other words, while the initial cost might seem off-putting, the net price—what students actually pay—can often be much lower.

While it's crucial not to be discouraged purely by a high sticker price, it's equally important to remember that just because a school has a high price tag doesn't automatically make it the right fit for you. Make sure you're looking at more than just cost or prestige when considering a college. The curriculum, facilities, faculty, student life, location, and tradition or culture of a school should all factor into your decision.

Ultimately, the "most expensive" colleges can potentially offer great opportunities due to their resources, but they might not be the best fit for everyone. Your college choice should be based on your personal goals, interests, needs, and, yes, cost and affordability. Just remember, there are many excellent institutions out there that offer a great education, whether or not they make this kind of list!