Expensive Colleges by State

I'm starting to make a list of colleges to consider and I just want to have all the facts straight. What are the most expensive colleges per state? I'm interested in both private and public institutions. Just want to be fully prepared as I consider which states to apply to!

Compiling a list of the most expensive colleges state by state would be a massive task given the many factors such as in-state versus out-of-state tuition for public schools, which can greatly affect the cost. But I can certainly provide you with some general information that might help guide your research.

For public institutions, the cost often varies significantly for in-state and out-of-state students. For example, the University of California, Berkeley and University of Michigan–Ann Arbor often top the lists for highest out-of-state tuitions.

As for private institutions, the overall cost (including tuition, room and board, fees, etc.) tends to be higher compared to state schools. Some of the priciest private colleges nationwide include Columbia University in New York, University of Chicago in Illinois, and Harvey Mudd College in California.

However, keep in mind that these "sticker prices" often aren't what most students end up paying, as financial aid can substantially reduce these costs. For instance, some Ivy league colleges like Harvard assure that families who earn less than $85,000 per year pay nothing towards the cost of attendance, and families who earn between $85,000 and $150,000 per year will pay between 0 and 10% of their annual income.

When considering cost, be sure to look at net cost, which is the cost of attendance minus grants and scholarships. Researching each school's financial aid policies and using their net price calculators can give you a clearer picture of what you might actually be expected to pay.

I'd recommend balancing cost with other factors like academic programs, student life, post-graduation success rates, etc. Sometimes, a pricier college can offer a truly unique program, or hefty financial aid packages, making it a worthwhile investment.