Most Expensive Public University?

Hi all, I've been researching colleges and I'm a bit stressed about the costs. I was just wondering if anyone knows which public university is considered the most expensive? Thanks!

Hi there! When determining the most expensive public university, it's essential to consider both in-state and out-of-state tuition, as they can drastically vary. Generally, out-of-state tuition is significantly more expensive than in-state tuition.

For in-state students, the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) and Penn State University (PSU) are frequently cited as some of the most expensive public universities.

For out-of-state students, some of the priciest options include the University of Virginia (UVA), the University of Michigan (UMich), the University of California system (especially UC Berkeley and UCLA), and the aforementioned University of Pittsburgh and Penn State University.

Keep in mind that financial aid and scholarships can help offset tuition costs, making these schools more affordable for students. When researching colleges, it's a good idea to use the net price calculators on the institutions' websites to estimate the amount your family would be expected to contribute. This information will give you a more accurate sense of the total cost of attendance and which financial aid opportunities might be available to you.

Additionally, many public universities offer tuition reciprocity agreements or regional exchange programs, which can provide discounted tuition for out-of-state students from participating states. Examples of these programs include the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) for Western states and the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP) for Midwest states. Make sure to research these options when considering public universities outside of your home state.