The most expensive colleges in the US have now pushed annual costs past the $90,000 mark for the 2024–2025 academic year, making students feel overwhelmed. However, we should know that the “sticker price” isn’t fixed. While tuition itself can’t be negotiated, you can control fees on Room & Board, which range from about $18,000 to $23,000+ per year. In this guide, we will break down the 10 expensive colleges in the US and show you how smarter off-campus housing choices can cut thousands off your total cost while giving you better living options.
Top 10 Most Expensive Universities in the US
Based on the latest “Total Cost of Attendance” figures, which include tuition, fees, housing, and food, we compile 10 universities where the highest sticker price.
| Rank | University | Location | Total Cost (COA) | Tuition & Fees | Avg. Room & Board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vanderbilt University | Nashville, TN | $98,426 | $66,850 | $23,160 |
| 2 | Harvey Mudd College | Claremont, CA | $93,131 | $70,518 | $22,613 |
| 3 | University of Southern California (USC) | Los Angeles, CA | $95,225 | $69,904 | $18,487 |
| 4 | Columbia University | New York, NY | $93,000+ | $71,690 | $17,496 |
| 5 | University of Chicago | Chicago, IL | $93,282 | $67,701 | $20,340 |
| 6 | Tufts University | Medford, MA | $92,167 | $70,580 | $18,254 |
| 7 | Dartmouth College | Hanover, NH | $91,312 | $66,123 | $19,554 |
| 8 | Brown University | Providence, RI | $91,676 | $68,230 | $18,050 |
| 9 | Boston University | Boston, MA | $90,207 | $66,670 | $19,020 |
| 10 | Kenyon College | Gambier, OH | $90,000+ | $71,196 | $15,360 |
1. Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University recently made headlines with a projected total cost nearing $100,000 for engineering students, making it arguably the most expensive college in the US right now. Aside from top-tier facilities, the cost of living in Nashville has skyrocketed. The “Room & Board” estimate is over $23,000, which is significantly higher than the national average.
While tuition is fixed, housing isn’t. Once you are eligible to live off-campus, browse student apartments near Vanderbilt University on uhomes.com. You can often find modern 2-bedroom units where your share is far less than the university’s $23k estimate.
2. Harvey Mudd College
As a premier STEM college, Harvey Mudd College consistently ranks among the top 3 most expensive universities in the US. The total cost is over $93,000. Harvey Mudd is located in Claremont, California, meaning you are paying for the premium LA-area location and high-tech lab resources. If you are going to study in this school and have a limited budget, the Claremont Colleges consortium area has diverse housing options. You can compare the mandatory meal plan + dorm costs against renting a house with friends nearby.
3. University of Southern California
The University of Southern California (USC) delivers one of the biggest sticker shocks in the US, with the total cost reaching $95,225 and tuition alone approaching $70,000. A major reason for the high price is its location in Los Angeles, which is one of the most expensive rental markets in the world. Compared to on-campus student housing, USC also has a strong off-campus living culture. Through uhomes.com, students can explore hundreds of affordable listings in popular areas like “The Row” and North University Park, where many properties even include perks such as gyms and pools—all at a fraction of USC’s dorm prices.
4. Columbia University
Columbia University has long been known as one of the most expensive colleges in the US. Its total cost still rises above $93,000. The price is driven by its Ivy League prestige and its unbeatable location in the heart of New York City. However, Columbia’s academic power is undeniable. Its programs in education, law, business, and journalism consistently rank among the best. To save on rent while studying at America’s priciest universities, you can look for off-campus apartments just a few subway stops away in Manhattan Valley or Harlem.
5. University of Chicago
Founded in 1890, the University of Chicago is one of the world’s leading private research universities. The University of Chicago adopts a small class model that limits the class size of core courses to no more than 19 students. The school’s law, finance, physics and other disciplines rank among the top five in the world. It has an outstanding faculty and many well-known alumni. It has produced 97 Nobel Prize winners, 10 Fields Medal winners, and 4 Turing Award winners. Excellent academic research and a pure academic environment make it the academic palace in the hearts of students around the world.
6. Tufts University
Known as a prestigious “Little Ivy,” Tufts University boasts internationally renowned programs like the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, the School of Dentistry, and the pioneering Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. It has a massive sticker shock of $92,167, mainly because of its location in Boston. The Greater Boston Area is currently facing a severe housing shortage, driving up prices for both dorms and private rentals. To save money, many students book multi-bedroom houses in Medford or Somervilleto too early, which is the most effective way to beat the brutal Boston rental market.
7. Dartmouth College
Dartmouth College, founded in 1769, is a private, comprehensive research university. It is also one of the eight Ivy League schools in the world. Also, it is one of the most difficult universities in the United States to get admitted to. In addition to undergraduate programs in the arts and humanities, Dartmouth College also has medical school, engineering school, business school, and 18 graduate programs in the natural sciences and humanities and social sciences. More than 50% of students have participated in off-campus programs in more than 20 countries.
8. Brown University
Founded in 1764, Brown University is the seventh pre-founding university in the United States and one of eight Ivy League schools. It was also the first college in the United States to accept students of any religion from Beijing. Brown University’s humanities are well-known, history and geology are outstanding, and drama and playwriting are among the top in the United States. Computer science, sociology and applied mathematics are strong undergraduate majors at Brown University. All courses are available for students to choose by themselves. In addition, it also has open courses, students can choose courses according to their own interests.
9. Boston University
Boston College is a comprehensive institution known for popular majors such as finance, political science, and history. As a Catholic university, students must complete two courses in theology and philosophy here. The College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Education, and School of Nursing are the four major sectors of its undergraduate education. Dual degree options are available in many College of Arts and Sciences programs.
10. Kenyon College
Kenyon College enters the list of the most expensive US universities at over $90,000. This small liberal arts college in Ohio surprises many people with its high cost of attendance. Kenyon College offers a luxury, all-inclusive campus experience with small class sizes and gourmet dining halls. You are guaranteed to pay for a comfortable university experience. Living in rural college towns like Gambier, you can have a lower burden of housing.
How to Attend an Expensive US College on a Budget?
Here are two ways to help you save money when attending the most expensive colleges in the US:
1. Maximize Financial Aid
You can make full use of your dream university’s Net Price Calculator. Top-tier private colleges, like the Ivies or Stanford University, often have massive endowments. They may offer need-based grants that cover 100% of tuition for families earning under a certain threshold. Always fill out your FAFSA and CSS Profile early, and don’t hesitate to appeal your aid package if your financial situation changes.
2. Find Affordable Student Housing
Although you can not control the tuition and fees, the daily cost of living is flexible depending on your lifestyle. Housing and food generally account for the largest proportion of your expenses. You can choose to live in the affordable student room to save on rent, without compromising the convenience. Cooking by yourself is also the most effective way for those on a budget.
Conclusion
While attending some of the most expensive universities in the US can seem prohibitively expensive, the opportunities and experiences these institutions provide is unparalleled. They have top-tier education and can offer networking opportunities, resources, and facilities that can set the groundwork for successful careers. However, it’s important for prospective students and their families to carefully consider the financial implications, such and explore all available options for financial aid, scholarships, and less expensive alternatives. With the proper planning and resources, achieving higher education at these esteemed institutions can become a tangible reality for many people.
FAQ
What is the most expensive college in the us?
Vanderbilt University. The projected total cost for engineering students at this school is close to $100,000, making it the most expensive college in the US right now.
Is it worth it to apply to colleges you can’t afford?
Listed tuition costs may not reflect the actual amount paid, thanks to financial aid, scholarships, and grants. Prestigious institutions offer robust financial aid programs to make education accessible to all. Don’t rule out schools based on their prices alone. Applying to them may result in unexpected financial benefits and a superior education.
Why has college gotten to be so expensive?
- Administrative bloat of many universities.
- An increase in subsidized student loans.
- Dwindling public funding for universities in many areas.
- The increasing demand for a collegiate education.
