Hi guys! Junior year is hectic, especially with college lurking around the corner. Just stumbled upon the fact that colleges in the USA can be super pricey, and now I'm curious - which one takes the cake for being the most expensive? Thanks in advance!
As far as it goes for the 2024-2025 school year, the most expensive college in the United States is often considered to be Columbia University, located in New York City.
For that academic year, the total cost of attendance— including tuition, fees, room, and board— was approximately $80,000. However, this number can vary slightly based on factors like meal plan, housing, book costs, and personal expenses, which are personal to each student.
Keep in mind that many students do not pay the full sticker price for college due to financial aid, scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities. So while Columbia's sticker price may be high, the amount students actually pay can differ substantially.
For example, Columbia has a strong need-based financial aid program. Families with calculated incomes below $60,000 and typical assets are expected to contribute $0 towards the cost of attendance. There are also various merit scholarships available to students, which can significantly lower the cost.
Therefore, the sticker price might not ultimately be the cost that a student would need to pay to attend Columbia University—or any other high-priced school, for that matter. Always consider financial aid packages when evaluating the affordability of a college.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.