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15 Most Expensive Colleges In The US in 2023

In 2023, the cost of higher education will continue to rise, and attending college can be expensive. For those willing to pay the high price tag, many prestigious and well-respected colleges in the US are among the most expensive in the country. In this article, we will look at the 15 most expensive colleges in the US in 2023. Also, we will examine the factors contributing to their high attendance cost.

According to a report from the College Board, the average cost of tuition and fees for the 2016-2017 school year was $33,480 at private colleges, $9,650 for state residents at public colleges, and $25,620 for out-of-state residents at public colleges.

From Ivy League universities to private liberal arts colleges, this list will give you an idea of what to expect if you consider attending one of these top-tier institutions. So, whether you’re a prospective student or simply interested in the state of higher education, read on to discover the 15 most expensive colleges in the US in 2023.

What Makes the Most Expensive Colleges in the US?

The most expensive college in the US is typically considered to be Harvey Mudd College, a private liberal arts college located in Claremont, California. The tuition, room, and board costs at Harvey Mudd College can exceed $75,000 per year. This high cost can be attributed to several factors, including its prestige as one of the country’s top engineering and science schools. Also, its small class sizes, and its commitment to providing students with a comprehensive and well-rounded education.

Additionally, the high cost of living in the Claremont area and the need to maintain state-of-the-art facilities and resources can contribute to the overall cost of attending Harvey Mudd College.

Why Choose the Most Expensive Colleges in the US?

Despite the high cost, there are several reasons why students and families might choose to attend the most expensive colleges in the US:

  • Prestige: Attending a well-respected and prestigious college can enhance a student’s future opportunities and career prospects.
  •  Quality of Education: The most expensive colleges in the US often have smaller class sizes, highly qualified faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities and resources. This can lead to a higher quality of education.
  •  Networking Opportunities: Attending an expensive college can give students access to a wide network of alums, faculty, and other professionals. This can be valuable for future career opportunities.
  •  Unique Opportunities: Many of the most expensive colleges in the US have specialized programs and resources that are not available at other institutions. This includes cutting-edge research opportunities or unique internships.
  •  Financial Aid: Although the cost of attendance is high, many of the most expensive colleges in the US also have large endowments and offer generous financial aid packages to help make college more affordable for all backgrounds.

It’s important to consider all factors, including the total cost of attendance and the potential return on investment, before deciding whether to attend a particular college. In some cases, attending a less expensive school may provide a better value and overall college experience.

See: 15 Colleges with Swim Teams in 2023

The Most Expensive Colleges in the US

Here are our top picks for the most expensive colleges in the US in 2023:

  1. University of Vermont
  2. Pepperdine University
  3. Boston University
  4. Columbia University
  5. Vanderbilt University
  6. University of Hawaii
  7. Southern Methodist University
  8. George Washington University
  9. Tulane University
  10. University of Southern California
  11. Sarah Lawrence College
  12. Vassar College
  13. Washington and Lee University
  14. Santa Clara University
  15. New York University

1. University of Vermont 

The University of Vermont (UVM) is located in Burlington, Vermont. This private university is one of the most expensive universities in the US, with an average cost of attendance for tuition, fees, room, and board totaling $63,436 for the 2020-2021 academic year.

The university is home to over 11,000 students from all 50 states and over 90 countries. It offers its students a wide range of majors and degrees. This includes fields like accounting, engineering, business administration, and computer science.

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2. Pepperdine University

Pepperdine University is a private, non-profit university located in Malibu, California. It is popular for its rigorous academic programs, stunning coastal location, and commitment to providing a well-rounded education. In 2023, the cost of tuition, room, and board at Pepperdine University is about $70,000 to $80,000 per year, making it one of the most expensive colleges in the US.

Pepperdine offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of fields, including business, law, education, and the liberal arts. The university is particularly well popular for its programs in business and law. Also, it has a strong reputation for providing students with practical and hands-on learning experiences.

In terms of facilities and resources, Pepperdine has a beautiful and sprawling campus on 830 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The university is popular for its strong athletic programs, state-of-the-art athletic facilities. Also, it has a wide range of recreational and cultural opportunities for students.

Overall, Pepperdine University is a highly desirable destination for students looking for a rigorous and well-rounded education in a stunning coastal setting and willing to pay the high cost of attendance to receive it.

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3. Boston University

Boston University is a Private research university 

located in Boston, Massachusetts. The university has a long-standing connection to the United Methodist Church despite being non-sectarian. 

It was established in 1839 by Methodists, with its initial campus in Newbury, Vermont. In 1867, it relocated to Boston. Its annual tuition and fees cost $51,604, making it a difficult choice for many students and their families.

Buston off an extension of financial aid opportunities, including scholarships, grants, and loans. It is also an excellent school. In fact, it was recently ranked #31 in the nation by US News & World Report. If you can afford the tuition, it’s worth considering Boston University.

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4. Columbia University

Columbia University tops the list of the most expensive colleges in the United States, with an annual cost of attendance of $69,600. Located in the heart of New York City, Columbia is one of the world’s most prestigious universities and offers its students a wealth of opportunities.

From rigorous academic programs to an impressive roster of extracurricular activities, Columbia has something to offer everyone. 

And with its location in one of the most expensive cities in the country, it’s no wonder that the university’s tuition rates are among the highest in the nation.

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Also, see: 15 Colleges With The Hottest Girls in 2023

5. Vanderbilt University

With tuition, room, and board, the total cost of attendance at Vanderbilt University is a whopping $71,612

Located in Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt is a private research institution that offers undergraduate degrees in engineering, arts & sciences, and music. The university also provides graduate and professional degrees across multiple fields.

For those looking to experience a taste of college life on campus, Vanderbilt offers traditional dorms and vibrant living/learning communities. It allows students to live with peers who share the same academic interests.

What sets Vanderbilt apart from other expensive colleges is that it has a lower acceptance rate. Only 8% of applicants are admitted each year, and the majority of accepted students receive merit-based aid packages which cover an average of 44% of their total tuition.

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6. University of Hawaii

The sixth entry in the list of the 15 most expensive colleges in the US is the University of Hawaii. With an estimated out-of-state tuition fee of $36,183, the University of Hawaii is one of the more expensive options for college students.

Located on five beautiful islands, the University of Hawaii offers students a chance to experience amazing beaches and breathtaking views during their college journey. And while it may be expensive, there are a number of financial aid options available to help offset costs.

If you consider attending this school, consider looking into scholarships and grants or taking out a loan to cover your tuition fees. 

The price tag might seem steep, but with some planning and research, you can make it much more affordable if you are truly committed to attending UH.

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7. Southern Methodist University

The most expensive college in the US is Southern Methodist University. This private university is located in Dallas, TX, and offers dozens of undergraduate and graduate programs.

Incoming students to Southern Methodist University can expect to pay just over $67,000 per year for tuition, room, and board. This estimated cost doesn’t even account for additional expenses like books or recreational activities.

Southern Methodist University offers a variety of financial aid programs and scholarships for those who may need them. However, these awards are limited for certain majors or require a higher GPA than other programs.

In addition, Southern Methodist University is one of the most expensive universities in the United States, ranking seventh out of fifteen on this list.

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8. George Washington University

George Washington University is located in Washington, DC. This private university has an annual cost of $70,000 per year, including tuition and fees.

George Washington University offers various undergraduate and graduate programs across its various schools, so you are sure to find something that interests you. 

The campus has undergone major renovations recently, including completing the Science and Engineering Hall, which houses the latest technology in classrooms and laboratories.

Students can also take advantage of numerous extracurricular activities, such as student organizations and sports teams. The university also offers several scholarships and grants to help defray the cost of attendance.

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9. Tulane University

The Tulane university was founded in 1834 and is located in New Orleans, Louisiana. It is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the world and is known for its strong academic programs and alums network.

For one year of tuition and fees at Tulane, you will pay an estimated $56,104. Tulane offers a wide range of graduate and undergraduate courses across multiple disciplines, such as law, medicine, business, and engineering. 

It also has a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and Greek life. So if you want to get a top-quality education while having access to great activities off-campus too this could be the college for you.

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See Also: 15 Colleges with Military Programs in 2023

10. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California (USC) has an annual tuition of $60,487. It’s ranked 23rd in the nation, and its alums include iconic actors, musicians, astronauts, and more. 

In addition to tuition costs, the University of California Calif Also has other fees that make it one of the most expensive universities in the country.

At the University of Southern California, you can expect small class sizes with a student-faculty ratio of 11:1. The school also offers a wide range of academic programs that might be enticing for some looking for a more niche education. On top of that, its prime West Coast location offers a wealth of research opportunities.

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11. Sarah Lawrence College

Sarah Lawrence College, which clocks in at an annual tuition fee of over $57,000, is Located in Bronxville, New York. This liberal arts college may be small, with just 1,760 students, but it’s one of the most expensive schools in the United States.

Sarah Lawrence College is known for its individualized attention to each student and offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees. 

The college offers a generous range of financial aid options and scholarships to help bridge the gap between tuition and what students and their families can afford to pay.

In addition to its academics, Sarah Lawrence College also stands out for its extensive extracurricular activities that involve both local and global communities. From art galleries to music concerts and sports teams to robotics competitions, there’s something for everyone there.

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12. Vassar College

Vassar College is a private liberal arts college located in Poughkeepsie, New York. Founded in 1861, Vassar is considered one of the most prestigious and selective colleges in the US and is often ranked among the most expensive colleges in the country. In 2023, the cost of tuition, room, and board at Vassar College is expected to be in the range of $70,000 to $80,000 per year.

Vassar is known for its commitment to providing students with a well-rounded education, offering a wide range of programs in the arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. The college also has a strong tradition of activism and social justice and is dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus.

Regarding facilities and resources, Vassar has a beautiful and historic campus with state-of-the-art classrooms, libraries, and athletic facilities. The college also has a vibrant student life, with numerous clubs, organizations, and events for students to participate in.

Overall, Vassar College is a highly sought-after destination for students looking for an intellectually rigorous and challenging college experience and willing to pay the high cost of attendance to receive it.

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13. Washington and Lee University

Washington and Lee University is a private liberal arts college located in Lexington, Virginia. Tuition and fee costs at the university run around $71,000 a year. 

The university comes in as the fourth most expensive college in the US, and it offers more than 40 different majors, allowing students to pursue their passions and find their ideal educational environment.

The school offers generous financial aid packages to help students afford the cost of education. The school also has a wide variety of extracurricular activities, including student organizations, sports teams, and social events.

Additionally, Washington and Lee University is known for its academic excellence. The university’s academic programs are highly ranked within the US News & World Report list of best colleges.

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Also, see: 15 Colleges with Rolling Admissions in 2023

14. Santa Clara University

Santa Clara University is the most expensive college Santa Clara University located in California and was founded in 1851 and is one of the oldest universities on the West Coast. 

It is a private Jesuit institution that offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in subjects ranging from business to engineering.

Attending this university can be quite expensive as tuition fees for 2020-2021 are estimated to be around $50,000 per year. This fee does not include living expenses or any additional expenses associated with attending college, such as books or other materials.

Santa Clara University also has a generous financial aid package available to its students, and they are dedicated to helping their alums pay back student loans.

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15. New York University

New York University (NYU) is the most expensive college in Manhattan’s heart. NYU is known for its prestigious reputation and the diversity amongst its student body.

New York University isn’t cheap. Their combined tuition, room, and board fee are $72,082 per year. That price tag may seem a bit daunting, but thankfully, they offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid packages that may help offset some of those costs. As a bonus, the campus also offers students discounts with local restaurants and stores.

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FAQs – Most Expensive Colleges in the US

What is the most expensive college in the US?

In 2023, Harvard University is expected to be the most expensive college in the US, with an estimated cost of tuition, room, and board of over $70,000 per year.

Where do billionaires go to college?

Many billionaires in the US have attended prestigious colleges such as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Stanford, as well as Ivy League universities such as Columbia and the University of Pennsylvania.

What is the cheapest college in the US?

The cheapest colleges in the US can vary depending on factors such as state residency and financial aid. However, some of the most affordable colleges in the US include the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, California State University, San Bernardino, and West Texas A&M University.

Conclusion

Attending college can be a significant financial investment, and the cost of tuition, room, and board at the most expensive colleges in the US can easily reach six figures. However, these institutions are also among the country’s most prestigious and well-respected colleges, offering students a rigorous education, access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, and a well-rounded college experience. Whether you are a prospective student or simply interested in the state of higher education, understanding the most expensive colleges in the US in 2023 is important to make informed decisions about your future.

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