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In the landscape of American higher education, the cost of attending university has skyrocketed over the past few decades. As of the 2023-2024 academic year, the average cost of attending a private four-year college is $39,400 per year. However, some institutions stand out for their price tags, with the most expensive colleges in the US charging upwards of $80,000 annually. These costliest universities in USA are known for their extensive resources, prestigious faculty, and exceptional networking opportunities. We will take you through the top 10 most expensive US schools in this guide.
Top 10 Most Expensive Colleges in the US
Planning to study in the USA? A select group of universities, renowned for their academic excellence and premium costs, define the educational landscape in the United States. These most expensive schools in America feature world-class facilities, cutting-edge research opportunities, and an impressive array of extracurricular programs, attracting students from across the globe. Let’s now explore the top 10 most expensive universities in USA!
1. Harvey Mudd College
Location: 301 Platt Blvd, Claremont, CA 91711, United States
Ranking: #12 by US News & World Report
Tuition Fees: $62,817/annum
Cost of Attendance: $84,896/annum
Established in December 1955, Harvey Mudd College is the nation’s top liberal arts college of engineering, science, and mathematics. One of the most expensive colleges in the US, the school strongly emphasizes undergraduate research for all students, earning PhD degrees at a high rate. You can pursue a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD degrees in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Mathematics, and Physics. At Harvey, the most expensive university in USA, you will be part of a close-knit, creative, and fun-loving community. Plus, you can join the 25 student-led organizations that organize fun events every week.
2. University of Chicago
Location: 5801 S Ellis Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
Ranking: #21 in QS World University Rankings
Tuition Fees: $64,260/annum
Cost of Attendance: $86,856/annum
The University of Chicago is one of America’s most expensive colleges that has been offering exceptional education for the past 125 years. Over the years, the university has laid the foundation for groundbreaking breakthroughs in science, medicine, economics, law, history, culture, and arts. This most expensive uni in America features 217 acres of botanic garden, 31 intramural sport clubs, 18 varsity sports teams, and over 350 recognized student organizations. When not in the classroom, one can write and publish books, launch startups, perform on stage, engage in debates, or attend student-run celebrations. And if you want to change the world, you can challenge ideas and assumptions through groundbreaking research.
3. University of Pennsylvania
Location: Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
Ranking: #11 in QS World University Rankings
Tuition Fees: $63,452/annum
Cost of Attendance: $85,738/annum
Next on our list of the most expensive colleges in the US is the University of Pennsylvania, founded in 1740. Home to over 28,711 students, the university is the 1st among the Ivy League schools in number of students studying abroad. Plus, it is one of the nations’ top research universities with over $1.37 billion in annual R&D expenditures. With a keen focus on inclusivity, intellectual rigor, and research, the University of Pennsylvania offers 4 undergraduate and 12 graduate schools. These include School of Arts and Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, Stuart Weitzman School of Design, and Penn Carey Law. Besides studies, you can be a part of various social, political, and multicultural activities at Penn, one of the costliest universities in USA.
4. Yale University
Location: New Haven, CT 06520, United States
Ranking: #23 in QS World University Rankings
Tuition Fees: $62,250/annum
Cost of Attendance: $85,120/annum
Knowledge, innovation, and culture are at the heart of Yale, one of the most expensive schools in USA. Yale’s origins date back to the 1640s when colonial clergymen initiated a movement to create local colleges based on the principles of European liberal education. It was in 1701, when the Connecticut legislature approved a charter to establish a Collegiate School. Today, Yale is home to over 9,500 students and 5,499 faculty members, who are pursuing a range of degrees in Physics, Architecture, Art, Computer Science, Economics, and Psychology. At Yale, one of the most expensive colleges in the US, you can also be part of various arts & culture, athletics & recreation, and health & wellness programs.
5. University of Southern California (USC)
Location: Los Angeles, CA 90007, United States
Ranking: #125 in QS World University Rankings
Tuition Fees: $64,726/annum
Cost of Attendance: $85,064/annum
It was in 1880, when the University of Southern California (USC) first opened its doors to 53 students and 10 teachers. Today, USC is home to over 48,000 students and 4,400 full-time faculty. A leading private research university and one of the most expensive colleges in the US, USC is renowned for its academic excellence, research opportunities, and diverse and inclusive student experiences. USC has also awarded around $464.3 million financial aid from all university sources, along with a $35 million investment to support various community initiatives. This most expensive university in USA will make you part of many student-run activities, such as exclusive film screenings, research showcases, open mic nights, outdoor yoga, and pop-up shows.
6. Tufts University
Location: 419 Boston Ave, Medford, MA 02155, United States
Ranking: #344 in QS World University Rankings
Tuition Fees: $63,805/annum
Cost of Attendance: $84,600/annum
Founded in 1852, Tufts University is also one of the most expensive colleges in the US. Located in the heart of Greater Boston, Tufts offers a close-knit community, 4 welcoming campuses, and a global network of accomplished alumni. The university has more than 120,000 alumni working as leaders, mentors, and doctors around the world. Offering 56 doctoral programs, 104 master’s courses, and 56 certificate programs, students can choose from an array of disciplines, including Anthropology, Chemistry, Astrophysics, Mathematics, and Computer Science. There’s also so much you can do besides studies at Tufts, one of America’s most expensive colleges. Whether you’re interested in sports, social work, or cultural activities, there’s something for everyone here.
7. Barnard College
Location: 3009 Broadway, New York, NY 10027, United States
Ranking: $14 in National Liberal Arts Colleges by US News & World Report
Tuition Fees: $60,478/annum
Cost of Attendance: $84,409/annum
One of the most expensive schools in America, Barnard was established in 1889 in response to the lack of higher education opportunities for women. During that period, Columbia University didn’t admit women, leading to the formation of Barnard as a separate institution for women. Today, Barnard is known for its rigorous academics, strong focus on leadership and empowerment, and its vibrant, modern campus in the heart of Manhattan. At Barnard, you can choose from nearly 50 fields of study in the sciences, humanities, and arts. Additionally, this most expensive university in USA features 80+ student clubs, such as Smart Women Lead, Barnard Community Garden, and Barnard Slam Poetry Team. Definitely, one of the most expensive colleges in the US!
8. Dartmouth College
Location: Hanover, NH 03755, United States
Ranking: #243 in QS World University Rankings
Tuition Fees: $60,687/annum
Cost of Attendance: $83,802/annum
Next on our list of the most expensive colleges in the US is Dartmouth College, founded in 1769. The college has over 40 academic departments and programs, and 400+ faculty members. At Dartmouth, students get the opportunity to learn from top researchers to find answers to pressing questions about climate change, cancer immunotherapy, and social justice. Surrounded by greenery, this most expensive university in USA is where you can walk or bike around the campus, stroll through the Hood Museum of Art, and harvest veggies from the organic farm. Additionally, you can join several student groups and activities, sustainability initiatives, and athletic clubs.
9. Northwestern University
Location: 633 Clark St, Evanston, IL 60208, United States
Ranking: #50 in QS World University Rankings
Tuition Fees: $63,468/annum
Cost of Attendance: $87,804/annum
On 31st May, 1850, nine visionaries set out to lay the foundation for Northwestern University, the most expensive university in the United States. In 1853, they acquired a sprawling 379-acre plot along Lake Michigan, where they developed the beautiful campus. It has been ranked #9 in National University by US News & World Report. Home to over 8,000 undergraduate students and 14,000 graduate students, the university has an acceptance rate of 7%. What’s more? Northwestern University, one of the costliest universities in USA, also has over 90 school-based centers and 35 university research centers. The university also conducts several art exhibitions, guest lectures, concerts, and performances by world-famous artists.
10. Columbia University
Location: 116th and Broadway, New York, NY 10027, United States
Ranking: #34 in QS World University Rankings
Tuition Fees: $66,139/annum
Cost of Attendance: $86,097/annum
Columbia University is not just the oldest institution of higher education in New York but also one of the most expensive colleges in the US. It was established in 1754 by a royal charter issued by Great Britain’s King George II. Today, Columbia University is home to more than 40,000 students, faculty, and staff from around the world. At Columbia, you can also be part of various arts and athletic clubs. Plus, it has 3 undergraduate schools, 15 graduate and professional schools, a world-famous medical center, 4 affiliated colleges and seminaries, 25 libaries, and 100+ research centers and institutes. So, don’t forget to add this most expensive university in USA to your list!
In a nutshell, the most expensive colleges in the US offers students access to world-class resources, the best faculty, and a wealth of networking and job opportunities. While the high costs may be something of concern, many of these most expensive schools in USA offer significant financial aid. Rest assured that choosing one of America’s most expensive colleges will open doors of opportunities for you! So get started with your USA student visa and a life-changing journey in the nation.