College in the U.S. comes at a high cost, with the most expensive colleges in the U.S. charging a whopping sticker price of $90,000 or more.
Not every student pays the same at these high-priced colleges, with many students qualifying for financial aid and/or merit scholarships to lower the cost of attendance.
Below, this guide takes a closer look at the most expensive colleges in the country and how students can make going to college more affordable.
Key Points
• Schools like Columbia University and University of Southern California often have annual costs exceeding $90,000, making them among the priciest in the U.S.
• Expensive colleges typically offer extensive facilities, including state-of-the-art research labs, advanced technology, and premium on-campus housing, which contribute to higher costs.
• High tuition often reflects access to renowned faculty, distinguished academic programs, and low student-to-faculty ratios, enhancing the educational experience.
• Although expensive, these colleges frequently offer generous financial aid packages, making them more affordable for students from various financial backgrounds.
• To pay for expensive colleges, students can rely on grants and scholarships, cash savings, federal student loans, and private student loans.
Overview of U.S. College Costs
The cost of going to college in the U.S. can vary based on the type of institution you attend, the amount of financial aid you receive, and enrollment status.
The average cost of college tuition is lowest for in-state students at public universities and highest for students at private four-year institutions. The schools with the most expensive college tuition are all four-year private nonprofit institutions, including Ivy League schools, liberal arts colleges, and private research universities. But there’s more to college costs than tuition alone.
When comparing colleges, it’s helpful to evaluate the cost of attendance, which includes all the expenses for one year of college, including room and board, books and supplies, transportation costs, and tuition and fees. This is known as the sticker price, and students who qualify for financial aid, such as grants or scholarships, will pay a lesser amount.
Here’s a look at the cost of the most expensive colleges in the U.S.
Recommended: How College Financial Aid Works
Most Expensive Ivy League Schools
Getting accepted at any of the eight private colleges in the Ivy League is an achievement. These highly competitive schools also rank among the most expensive tuition colleges in the country.
Harvard University
The total cost of attendance at Harvard University was $82,866 for the 2024-2025 academic year. However, around 55% of accepted students qualified for need-based scholarships from Harvard, which doesn’t include other types of financial aid.
Recommended: SoFi’s Scholarship Search Tool
Columbia University
For the 2024-2025 academic year, the cost of attendance at Columbia University is $93,417 for undergraduate students. Around 58% of first-time, full-time undergraduate students at Columbia receive some form of financial aid, including grants and scholarships.
If a student’s family has an annual income less than $150,000, they can receive free tuition to attend Columbia.
The cost of attendance at the University of Pennsylvania totaled $92,288 for the 2024-2025 academic year. However, students living off campus can expect to pay less for room and board.
Note that 46% of undergraduate students received grant-based financial aid during the 2023-2024 academic year, helping reduce the cost of attendance by $68,852, on average. Like other Ivy League schools, UPenn awards financial aid packages based on a student’s family income.
Most Expensive Liberal Arts Colleges
Liberal arts colleges are known for their smaller class sizes and broader curriculum centered on humanities, arts, and sciences. Some of the most elite liberal arts colleges also have some of the most expensive college tuition.
Williams College
The cost of attendance at Williams College is $85,820 for the 2024-2025 academic year. About 52% of Williams undergraduate students receive need-based financial aid.
Amherst College
For the 2024-2025 academic year, the cost of attendance at Amherst College totaled $91,310 for undergraduate students. About 60% of undergrad students receive financial aid from Amherst College.
Swarthmore College
For full-time undergraduate students, the cost of attendance at Swarthmore College is $85,802 for the 2024-2025 academic year. Approximately 52% of undergrads receive need-based financial aid from Swarthmore College.
Most Expensive Private Research Universities
Private research universities are known for advancing academic research alongside teaching students. They tend to offer a wide range of undergraduate majors, plus graduate and doctoral degree programs.
Cutting-edge research facilities and resources come at a cost, though, making these schools some of the most expensive colleges in the U.S.
University of Southern California
The total cost of attendance at the University of Southern California is $95,225 for the 2024-2025 academic year. Note that tuition is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students.
Around two-thirds of undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid, including merit scholarships, need-based aid, federal loans and work-study programs.
Boston University
Boston University undergraduate students enrolled full-time for the 2024-2025 academic year have a cost of attendance of $90,207. First-year students who are permanent residents can expect to get 100% of their demonstrated financial need covered by Boston University.
Northwestern University
For the 2024-2025 academic year, Northwestern University’s cost of attendance is $94,878. More than 60% of undergraduate students receive some financial aid from Northwestern to cover the cost of tuition and other college-related expenses.
Factors Contributing to High U.S. College Costs
The cost of a college education in the U.S. has continued to increase. Between 1990 and 2023, the average cost of attendance at four-year colleges rose from $7,602 to $30,884.
Aside from higher cost of living, there are a few key factors contributing to high college costs — and not just at the most expensive colleges.
College infrastructure, including dormitories, lecture halls, research facilities, athletic facilities, and campus grounds, are expensive to operate and maintain. College tours can play a big role in a prospective student’s decision-making, so investing in campus facilities is a priority for many schools to remain competitive. Student services and amenities on campus, including academic advising, tutoring, counseling, mental health services, and extracurricular events and activities, also impact college costs.
Public universities receive some level of funding from state and local tax revenues, which allows them to offer comparatively lower tuition for in-state students. However, state budgets for public universities have decreased in the majority of states, requiring tuition increases to fill the gaps in funding.
Meanwhile at private nonprofit universities, where costs are typically higher, reputation and selective admissions can contribute to loftier sticker prices.
Recommended: Why Is College So Expensive in America?
Strategies for Affording College
The rising cost of college can make higher education, especially the most expensive colleges, feel out of reach financially.
Although college costs are rising, students and families can combine multiple funding sources and strategies to figure out how to pay for college.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Options
Students complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to determine if they qualify for any federal student aid, including scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans. This information is typically required to apply for scholarships, including awards from the school you’re attending.
Scholarships and grants represent free money for college that you don’t need to pay back. While colleges with free tuition are not the norm, applying for scholarships and grants can help cover the cost of college and reduce the amount you need to borrow.
Alternative Financing
Students may need to explore additional options to afford going to college. Working part-time or finding jobs that pay for your degree can help with living expenses or secure tuition assistance for college, respectively.
To fill any remaining gaps, students can use private student loans or alternative financing, such as income share agreements. With an income share agreement, students borrow money from their college or a private lender and agree to pay a fixed percentage of their future income for a set period of time.
Recommended: Paying for College With No Savings
Value of an Expensive U.S. College Education
Cost is a key consideration when deciding where to go to school. However, attending a more expensive college could pay off in the long run.
To understand the value of attending any college, compare the cost of the degree with the expected income once you graduate. Though they can be more expensive, the most prestigious colleges can have higher expected income for graduates due to their academic rigor, networking opportunities, and reputation.
Recommended: 25 Highest Paying Jobs in the US
The Takeaway
The most expensive colleges in the U.S. have a cost of attendance greater than $90,000 for the 2024-2025 academic year. However, many students receive scholarships and grants to pay less than the sticker price.
Once you’ve decided where you plan to go to college, take the time to consider all the options to help pay for your education, including scholarships, grants, savings, alternative financing, and private student loans.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
FAQ
What is the single most expensive college in the U.S.?
The school with the highest cost of attendance on our list is the University of Southern California at $95,225.
Are expensive U.S. colleges worth the cost?
Expensive colleges can be worth the cost if you’re pursuing a high-earning degree that will provide a strong return on investment.
How do expensive colleges determine pricing?
Expensive colleges base their pricing on student demand, operating costs, and other factors. The cost of attendance is comprised of tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and other living expenses.
photocredit: iStock/pla2na
SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.
SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.
This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.
SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
SOISL-Q324-099