Hey folks, I'm currently a junior and in the middle of considering my college options. However, financial aspects have been a huge factor in my list. Even though I'm applying for scholarships and aid, I'm curious to know, which colleges are known for being the least affordable?
Though affordability can vary greatly depending on your personal circumstances, there are a few colleges and universities that generally tend to be on the higher side in terms of total cost (tuition, room & board, etc.) before factoring in any sort of financial aid or scholarships. For instance, the following schools are often cited among the most expensive:
1. Columbia University: Columbia's total cost of attendance often tops the charts. Mind you, the school does meet 100% of demonstrated financial need, but its high sticker price can generate initial sticker shock.
2. University of Chicago: Like Columbia, UChicago has a high cost of attendance even though it provides generous financial aid packages. It's not uncommon for students who don't qualify for need-based aid to experience this school as extremely expensive.
3. Southern Methodist University: This private institution in Texas is one of the more expensive universities in the South. A high cost of attendance combined with a lower average financial aid package compared to similar universities makes it quite costly.
4. Northwestern University: With a high sticker price and living costs, Northwestern can be pretty expensive, particularly for out-of-state students.
5. Harvey Mudd College: Known for its quality STEM programs, Harvey Mudd also has a reputation for high costs. It's one of the most expensive liberal arts colleges in the U.S.
Remember, the listed costs are the total cost before scholarships and aid. For students with financial need, these schools, particularly the highly selective ones, can end up being more affordable due to generous financial aid packages they offer. It's always a good idea to use each school's net price calculator to get a more accurate estimate of what you might pay.
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