Skip to main content
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Most Expensive College in the USA?

Hey everyone. I was just curious, is there a list or a way to find out what's the most expensive college in the USA as of now? Is there a particular college that's known for being really pricey?

a year ago

The cost of college can vary greatly based on factors like whether or not the institution is private or public, in-state or out-of-state. However, when it comes to the most expensive universities in the United States, private schools often take the lead.

As of my latest knowledge, the University of Chicago is considered one of the most expensive universities in the United States, with a total cost of attendance - including tuition, room and board, and additional fees - that exceeds $80,000 per year. Columbia University and New York University are also known for having similarly high costs.

Remember, though, these figures often don't reflect what most students actually pay. Colleges offer financial aid packages, scholarships, and grants, which can significantly lower the cost. Furthermore, what you end up paying can greatly vary based on your family's financial circumstance. Use the school's Net Price Calculator to get a better estimate of what you would likely pay at a specific school.

Also, it's important to keep in mind that while these are amongst the most expensive colleges, they also offer some of the most generous financial aid packages. For example, at Harvard, families who earn less than $85,000 per year pay nothing towards the cost of attendance. Those earning between $85,000 and $150,000 per year will only pay between 0 and 10% of their yearly income. Many other highly selective schools, including Columbia and University of Chicago, have similar policies.

So it's not always about the sticker price, but rather the net price you would have to pay after considering financial aid. For many families, it can actually be cheaper to attend one of these expensive private universities than their in-state public university.

a year ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.