Just out of curiosity, what are the most expensive colleges nationwide? Not just tuition, but all costs included, like room and board, books, fees, etc. Would love to know your thoughts.
Understanding college costs is indeed an important part of the college planning process! The total cost of attendance often includes not only tuition, but also other costs like room and board, books, and other fees.
As of 2024, if we consider all these factors, some of the priciest colleges in the United States are Columbia University, Harvey Mudd College, and University of Chicago.
1. Columbia University, in New York City, has a total cost of attendance that exceeds $80,000 per academic year. This estimate includes tuition fees, room and board, books and supplies, and personal expenses.
2. Harvey Mudd College, a renowned STEM-focussed school based in Claremont, California, also typically sees its total cost of attendance go above $80,000 per year. Similar to Columbia, this estimate encompasses tuition, room and board, books and supplies, and personal expenses.
3. The University of Chicago, in Chicago, Illinois, has a total cost of attendance that is usually a bit less than Columbia and Harvey Mudd, but still exceeds $78,000 per year. This includes tuition, room and board, books and supplies, and personal expenses.
Remember that these figures are sticker prices, meaning what the colleges list as the full cost without financial aid. However, substantial amounts of aid are often available that can greatly reduce these costs. For instance, colleges like Columbia and the University of Chicago follow a need-blind admissions policy and meet 100% of demonstrated financial need, which can significantly lower the cost for many students.
Always be sure to look at net price, which is what you end up paying after aid, rather than the sticker price, as it will present a more accurate picture of what attending that college might cost for you. Most college websites have a net price calculator for this purpose.
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