Hello! Preparing for college applications and came across some crazy tuition prices. I'm wondering, what's the most expensive college in the United States right now? Would love some background on why their tuition is so high as well. Thanks in advance!
The current holder of the title for the most expensive college in the United States is Harvey Mudd College. In 2024, the total cost of attendance (which includes tuition, room, and board) came in at a staggering $93,131.
Several factors contribute to its high cost. First, Harvey Mudd is a private, highly selective liberal arts college, and private institutions typically charge higher tuition than their public counterparts. Second, it specializes in engineering, science, and mathematics, disciplines that are traditionally more expensive to teach due to the need for specialized facilities, equipment, and highly qualified faculty. Additionally, the school prides itself on smaller class sizes, allowing for personalized attention, but requiring more faculty per student.
However, it's worth noting that the published cost and what students actually pay can differ significantly. Like many U.S. colleges, Harvey Mudd has a robust financial aid program. In the 2019-2020 academic year, for example, 73% of Harvey Mudd students received some form of need-based financial aid. The sticker price can be quite daunting, but the financial reality is often more manageable for students receiving aid.
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