Top 20 Most Expensive Colleges

The cost of higher education in the United States has risen dramatically over the past few decades, with many prestigious institutions reaching exorbitant tuition rates. These rising costs are often seen as a reflection of the high quality of education, the resources available to students, and the level of prestige associated with these institutions. However, they also raise questions about the affordability of college for the average American family, particularly in the context of an economy where student loan debt is at record highs. Below are the 20 most expensive colleges in the U.S. based on tuition rates for the 2007-2008 academic year.

The highest tuition rate on the list for 2007-2008 is at George Washington University, with a tuition cost of $39,210. Located in Washington, D.C., George Washington University (GWU) is known for its strategic location, providing students with access to political, economic, and cultural centers. The university offers a wide range of programs, with particularly strong offerings in political science, international relations, and law. The proximity to the nation's capital allows students to engage with government agencies, nonprofits, and political organizations, which can provide valuable opportunities for internships and career development. Despite the benefits of attending such a well-connected school, the high tuition reflects not only the quality of the education but also the cost of living in the D.C. metropolitan area, which is one of the most expensive places to live in the U.S.

Bucknell University, ranked second on the list with a tuition of $37,934, is another prestigious private institution that commands a high price for its education. Located in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, Bucknell is known for its strong liberal arts programs, particularly in engineering, economics, and the sciences. The university offers small class sizes, personalized attention from faculty, and a rigorous academic environment. Bucknell's reputation for academic excellence and its picturesque campus make it a highly desirable institution for many students. However, the high tuition can be a significant financial burden for families, especially those without access to significant financial aid.

In third place is the University of Richmond, which charges a tuition of $37,610. Located in Virginia, the University of Richmond is known for its strong liberal arts programs and its highly ranked business school. The university has a reputation for academic rigor and offers students a wealth of extracurricular activities, including internships, research opportunities, and a strong athletics program. Like many of the schools on this list, the University of Richmond’s high tuition reflects the quality of the education and the opportunities that it provides. However, the cost of attending can be a significant challenge for students from lower- and middle-income backgrounds, and many students rely on financial aid packages to make the university more affordable.

Colgate University, ranked fourth with a tuition rate of $37,405, is a prestigious liberal arts college located in Hamilton, New York. Colgate is known for its academic excellence and its commitment to providing a well-rounded education in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences. The college also boasts a beautiful campus set in the picturesque upstate New York countryside, which provides an idyllic environment for students. However, like other elite institutions, the high cost of attendance at Colgate can place a financial strain on many students and their families. Financial aid packages are available to help alleviate some of this burden, but for many, the cost of attending a school like Colgate can be a daunting prospect.

Sarah Lawrence College, located in Yonkers, New York, charges a tuition of $37,230, ranking it fifth on the list. Sarah Lawrence is known for its unique approach to education, which emphasizes individualized attention, small class sizes, and close student-faculty collaboration. The college has a strong reputation in the arts, particularly in theater, creative writing, and visual arts, and it attracts students who are seeking an alternative to more traditional forms of higher education. Despite the emphasis on creativity and the strong academic programs offered, the high tuition cost remains a significant challenge for many students. The college’s focus on personalized education and its location near New York City, where there are numerous cultural and professional opportunities, also contribute to the high cost of attendance.

Tulane University, with a tuition of $36,610, ranks sixth on the list of most expensive colleges. Located in New Orleans, Louisiana, Tulane is known for its strong programs in law, business, and public health, as well as its unique location in a vibrant and diverse city. The university offers students access to internships, community service opportunities, and research projects that take advantage of the city’s cultural and political landscape. While Tulane provides numerous opportunities for its students, the high tuition cost remains a point of concern for many families. Despite financial aid options, the cost of attending Tulane may be prohibitive for some students, especially those who are not receiving substantial assistance.

Wesleyan University, located in Middletown, Connecticut, charges a tuition of $36,536. The university is known for its strong academic programs in the humanities, social sciences, and arts, and it attracts students who are interested in intellectual and creative pursuits. Wesleyan has a reputation for academic rigor and offers small class sizes and close interactions between students and faculty. However, the high cost of attending Wesleyan University can be a barrier for many students, particularly those who are not able to secure sufficient financial aid.

Hamilton College, ranked eighth on the list, charges a tuition of $36,500. Located in Clinton, New York, Hamilton is a private liberal arts college that offers a strong academic program with a particular emphasis on writing, rhetoric, and the humanities. The college is known for its rigorous curriculum and its commitment to providing a well-rounded education. Hamilton’s beautiful rural campus provides a quiet and intimate setting for students to focus on their studies. However, like other schools on this list, the high tuition cost can make it difficult for some students to afford the college without significant financial aid.

Bowdoin College, located in Brunswick, Maine, charges a tuition of $36,370, ranking ninth on the list. Bowdoin is known for its academic excellence and its strong programs in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The college has a reputation for being one of the best liberal arts schools in the country, and it attracts highly talented students from across the nation. While Bowdoin’s strong academic reputation and beautiful campus make it a highly desirable school, its high tuition cost presents a challenge for many students and their families.

Carnegie Mellon University, ranked tenth with a tuition of $35,984, is a renowned private research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Known for its programs in computer science, engineering, business, and the arts, Carnegie Mellon attracts students who are interested in pursuing careers in technology, engineering, and the creative industries. The university offers a high level of academic rigor, and its graduates are often highly sought after by employers. However, the high cost of attending Carnegie Mellon, coupled with the competitive nature of its programs, makes it one of the most expensive colleges in the U.S.

The top 10 most expensive colleges, as well as the remaining institutions on the list, reflect a broader trend in higher education where tuition costs continue to rise. While these schools offer exceptional academic programs and prestigious degrees, the high cost of attendance often means that only families with significant financial resources can afford to send their children to these institutions without substantial assistance. Even though many of these schools offer generous financial aid packages, the rising costs of tuition, room and board, and other fees make higher education an increasingly challenging financial investment for many students and their families.

In conclusion, the growing cost of attending prestigious institutions like George Washington University, Bucknell University, and Tulane University underscores the increasing financial burden of higher education in the U.S. While these schools offer top-tier education and resources, the cost of attendance is a significant consideration for prospective students. As tuition rates continue to rise, it will be essential for both schools and policymakers to explore ways to make higher education more affordable and accessible to all students, regardless of their financial background.

Top 20 Most Expensive Colleges in the US:

Following rankings are based on 2007-2008 tuition rates.

Highest Tuition:

College
1. George Washington $39,210
2. Bucknell $37,934
3. University of Richmond $37,610
4. Colgate $37,405
5. Sarah Lawrence College $37,230
6. Tulane $36,610
7. Wesleyan University $36,536
8. Hamilton College $36,500
9. Bowdoin College $36,370
10. Carnegie Mellon $35,984
11. Penn $35,916
12. Johns Hopkins $35,900
13. Bennington College $35,850
14. Tufts University $35,842
15. Brown $35,584
16. Vassar College $35,570
17. NYU $35,283
18. USC $35,212
19. Notre Dame $35,190
20. Dartmouth $35,178

*However the above list does not take into account the cost for Tuition, Room and Board.

Most expensive colleges based on Tuition and Room and Board combined for one school year:

Highest Total Cost:

College; Tuition, Room and Board
1. George Washington $51,110
2. Johns Hopkins University $47,626
3. Brown $47,476
4. NYU $47,063
5. Wesleyan University $46,666
6. Colgate $46,575
7. University of Chicago $46,308
8. Tulane $46,300
9. Bowdoin College $46,260
10. Boston College $46,210
11. Penn $46,124
12. USC $46,070
13. Tufts University $46,002
14. Bucknell $45,986
15. Boston University $45,880
16. Hamilton College $45,850
17. Northwestern University $45,840
18. Washington U.-St Louis $45,752
19. Sarah Lawrence College $45,730
20. Cornell $45,690