Do more 'liberal' colleges tend to be more expensive?

I've been looking into some traditionally 'liberal' colleges, and it seems like they might be on the pricier side. Is this a pattern, or am I just imagining things?

The cost of attending college can vary greatly, and it's hard to make broad generalizations about tuition costs based on a college's political leanings. While some traditionally liberal colleges are private and thus may be more expensive in terms of tuition price, it's important to remember that there are many public, liberal-leaning schools that tend to be less expensive, particularly for in-state students.

However, tuition isn't the only cost that matters—it's also crucial to consider financial aid. Many prestigious, private colleges that lean liberal are also well-funded and can offer strong financial aid packages. Some universities, regardless of their political reputation, make a concerted effort to meet 100% of demonstrated financial aid, which can make these institutions more affordable for many students despite the initial sticker shock.

Moreover, the term "liberal college" often refers to institutions with a liberal arts focus, which can be misleading. Liberal arts colleges offer a broad-based education in arts, sciences, and humanities, not necessarily a politically liberal environment. These colleges can vary widely in cost.

For example, Amherst College, a renowned liberal arts college, has a high sticker price but also offers excellent financial aid. Conversely, some state schools with a strong liberal arts program, like University of Mary Washington or New College of Florida, are significantly less expensive.

So, in summary, while there might be high-priced liberal colleges, it's not a hard rule. The cost depends on a blend of factors, including private vs public status, available financial aid, and the specific resources of the institution. I'd recommend using net price calculators available on college websites, as they provide a more accurate estimate of the cost you’d be expected to pay after factoring in financial aid.