America Ten Most Expensive Colleges

In recent decades, the rising cost of higher education has been a significant concern in the United States. College tuition, room and board, and other fees have increased at a rate that outpaces inflation, leading many prospective students and their families to seek out the most affordable options. However, a number of prestigious institutions across the country remain among the most expensive, even as financial aid programs and scholarship opportunities are increasingly offered to offset some of the burden. According to data from The Chronicle of Higher Education and the College Board, for the academic year 2006-2007, a select group of institutions were ranked among the most expensive in the U.S. These colleges, while costly, continue to attract students due to their academic reputations, access to resources, and rich campus experiences. Among them are George Washington University, the University of Richmond, Sarah Lawrence College, Kenyon College, Vassar College, Bucknell University, Bennington College, Columbia University, Wesleyan University, and Trinity College.

The cost of attending these institutions is significant, and it reflects both the demand for seats in their classrooms as well as the amenities and services they provide. George Washington University, the most expensive on the list for the 2006-2007 academic year with a total cost of $37,820, is a prime example of an institution that offers an outstanding education in a prime location. Located in Washington, D.C., George Washington University (GWU) attracts students who are seeking access to governmental institutions, political internships, and career opportunities in law, business, public policy, and the arts. The university is known for its strong programs in international relations, political science, and public health, making it an ideal choice for students who are looking to gain direct access to the heart of American political and social power. The location in the nation's capital, while providing exceptional opportunities for professional growth, also contributes to the high cost of attendance. The city itself is expensive, and students must factor in the cost of living when considering an education at GWU.

Next on the list is the University of Richmond, which charges $36,550 for tuition, room, board, and fees. The University of Richmond is a private liberal arts college in Virginia with a reputation for strong academic programs, particularly in business, economics, and the humanities. It is often noted for its beautiful campus, renowned faculty, and close-knit community. The university offers a personalized education experience, with small class sizes and opportunities for undergraduate research. However, the location in suburban Virginia, just outside of Richmond, also comes with a high cost of living. Despite the tuition fee, Richmond provides a variety of financial aid options and maintains a strong record of graduate success, which adds to its appeal for students willing to invest in a quality liberal arts education.

Sarah Lawrence College, located in Yonkers, New York, comes in third place with a total cost of $36,088. Founded in 1926, Sarah Lawrence is known for its unconventional and individualized approach to education. Its students are encouraged to pursue their intellectual curiosities in small, discussion-based seminars, working closely with professors to create tailored academic experiences. The school has earned a reputation for its strong programs in the arts, including theater, music, and creative writing, and it attracts students who seek a unique educational experience outside the traditional model of lecture-based learning. While the college offers a rigorous and stimulating academic environment, its location near New York City, which provides access to cultural and professional opportunities, also means that the cost of living is high. Sarah Lawrence's hefty tuition costs are justified by the excellent faculty and the personal attention students receive, but it remains a financially burdensome option for many students, particularly those without significant financial aid.

Kenyon College, with a total cost of $36,050, ranks fourth on the list. Kenyon, a small liberal arts college in Gambier, Ohio, is known for its strong writing programs and beautiful campus. Its writing program consistently ranks among the best in the country, and the college has produced numerous successful writers, journalists, and academics. Kenyon's picturesque campus, nestled along the Kokosing River, offers a tranquil setting for students to focus on their studies and participate in vibrant student organizations. However, despite its rural location, Kenyon remains one of the most expensive colleges in the country. The college's high tuition is balanced by a strong financial aid program that works to ensure that students from diverse economic backgrounds can attend. The college’s relatively small student body and its reputation for academic rigor have made it an attractive choice for students looking for a tight-knit, intellectually stimulating community.

Vassar College follows closely behind Kenyon, with a total cost of $36,030. Located in Poughkeepsie, New York, Vassar is one of the oldest liberal arts colleges in the U.S., founded in 1861. Vassar’s reputation for academic excellence and its impressive historical significance in women’s education contribute to its status as one of the nation’s top institutions. Vassar provides a rigorous and diverse academic environment with a strong focus on the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The college is also known for its diverse and inclusive campus community, which attracts students from all walks of life. Its proximity to New York City gives students access to a wide range of internships, cultural experiences, and professional opportunities, but the cost of living in the region contributes to the overall high cost of attending the college.

Bucknell University, with a total cost of $36,002, is next on the list. Located in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, Bucknell is a highly regarded liberal arts college that offers a well-rounded education with a focus on both the humanities and the sciences. The university is also known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and education, making it a well-rounded option for students with a variety of academic interests. The university offers small class sizes and opportunities for undergraduate research, and its beautiful campus in rural Pennsylvania adds to the appeal. However, Bucknell's tuition, combined with the cost of living in the area, makes it one of the most expensive options for students looking for a comprehensive undergraduate education.

Bennington College, another liberal arts institution located in Vermont, charges $35,250 for tuition, room, board, and fees. Bennington is known for its distinctive approach to education, which allows students to design their own courses of study and emphasizes creativity and independent thinking. The college's strong focus on the arts, including theater, dance, music, and visual arts, attracts students who wish to immerse themselves in creative fields. Like Sarah Lawrence, Bennington College offers a unique academic experience, but this comes at a significant cost. Although Bennington provides financial aid opportunities to help students manage the financial burden, its high tuition and location in rural Vermont contribute to its place on the list of most expensive colleges.

Columbia University, one of the Ivy League's most prestigious institutions, comes in eighth place with a total cost of $35,166. Located in the heart of New York City, Columbia is renowned for its world-class faculty, academic rigor, and research opportunities. The university offers top programs across many fields, including business, law, engineering, and the humanities. However, the cost of living in New York City is exceptionally high, and this contributes to the overall expenses for Columbia students. Despite the high cost, Columbia remains one of the most sought-after universities in the world, and its graduates go on to successful careers in academia, industry, government, and the arts.

Wesleyan University and Trinity College, with total costs of $35,144 and $35,130, respectively, round out the list of the top 10 most expensive colleges. Wesleyan, located in Middletown, Connecticut, is known for its academic excellence, strong arts programs, and progressive campus culture. Trinity College, located in Hartford, Connecticut, is a liberal arts college that combines rigorous academic programs with a tight-knit community and strong athletics programs. Both colleges offer a high-quality education but come at a steep price, which may be prohibitive for many families.

The rising cost of tuition and fees at colleges and universities, including those on this list, highlights the growing challenges that students face in financing their education. The high cost of attendance often limits access to higher education for students from lower-income backgrounds, even as financial aid programs help to offset some of the burden. At the same time, these colleges continue to attract students due to their academic rigor, prestigious reputations, and unique campus experiences. As higher education continues to become more expensive, the conversation surrounding affordability and access to college is likely to remain a central issue in public discourse. The increasing cost of attending top institutions like George Washington University, the University of Richmond, and Sarah Lawrence College emphasizes the need for reform in the higher education system to ensure that a quality education remains accessible to all students, regardless of their financial background.

Below is the list of top 10 most expensive colleges in the U.S. (2006-2007), based on the latest data from The Chronicle of Higher Education and the College Board.
1. George Washington University ($37,820)
2. University of Richmond ($36,550)
3. Sarah Lawrence College ($36,088)
4. Kenyon College ($36,050)
5. Vassar College ($36,030)
6. Bucknell University ($36,002)
7. Bennington College ($35,250)
8. Columbia University ($35,166)
9. Wesleyan University ($35,144)
10. Trinity College ($35,130)