What makes a university 'the most expensive' in the US?

Out of curiosity, how do they determine which university is the most expensive in the US? Is it just tuition, or do other factors like the cost of living in the area count too?

When talking about the 'most expensive' university in the US, typically the criteria is based on 'Cost of Attendance' (COA). The COA includes tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses.

Let's break these down:

1. Tuition: This is the actual cost of your classes and it can vary based on your student status (full-time or part-time) and your program of study. Tuition tends to be the most substantial part of the COA.

2. Fees: These can include things like student activity fees, health fees, or lab fees.

3. Room and board: If you live on campus, this includes your housing and meal plan. If you live off campus, they estimate what you would pay for rent and food in that specific area.

4. Books and supplies: This includes the estimated costs for textbooks and other necessary supplies for classes.

5. Transportation: This can cover commuting expenses, flights home for breaks, or other travel associated with your studies.

6. Personal expenses: Things like laundry expenses, clothing, entertainment, and other miscellaneous costs are included in this category.

Remember, though, that the 'sticker price' that you see as the COA may not be what you end up paying, as financial aid can significantly reduce this cost. The net price, which is the COA minus any grants and scholarships you receive, is a more accurate gauge of how expensive a university will be for you.

Also, it's important to note that the COA is an estimate. Some students may spend more or less in certain categories. For example, a student who rents textbooks or buys them used may spend less on books than a student who chooses to buy new textbooks.