Top 25 Most Expensive Colleges

In the world of higher education, the cost of attending college has been a topic of growing concern for students, parents, and policymakers alike. As the price of tuition and associated expenses continues to rise, many colleges and universities across the United States are now ranked according to their total costs, including tuition, room and board, and required fees. Among these institutions, Sarah Lawrence College has emerged as one of the most expensive colleges in the country, holding the distinction of being the most expensive college by total cost for the 2011-2012 academic year, according to the fifth annual ranking compiled by Campus Grotto. This ranking, which included several other prestigious institutions such as New York University, Columbia University, and Harvey Mudd College, reflects the broader trend of rising costs in private higher education. While Sarah Lawrence College may be the most expensive college in terms of total cost, it is also a distinguished institution known for its unique approach to education, offering an exceptional academic experience for those who can afford it or secure financial assistance.

Founded in 1926, Sarah Lawrence College is a private liberal arts institution located in Yonkers, Westchester County, just outside of New York City. The college has long been renowned for its distinctive educational philosophy, which emphasizes individualized study, close faculty-student relationships, and a commitment to the intellectual development of its students. Sarah Lawrence's approach to education is built around small, seminar-style classes that foster in-depth discussion, independent research, and critical thinking. This pedagogical model has earned the college high marks for classroom experience and engagement, with The Princeton Review highlighting Sarah Lawrence as a top-ranked school for classroom discussion. The college's emphasis on collaboration and intellectual curiosity has contributed to its reputation as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country.

Despite its academic prestige, Sarah Lawrence College's high cost of attendance has been a point of contention for many prospective students and their families. For the 2011-2012 academic year, the total cost of attending Sarah Lawrence, which includes tuition, room and board, and required fees, amounted to approximately $59,490. This price tag made Sarah Lawrence the most expensive college in the United States at the time, surpassing even other prestigious institutions such as New York University, Columbia University, and Harvey Mudd College. The high cost of attending Sarah Lawrence reflects not only the rising costs of higher education but also the institution's commitment to providing a personalized and rigorous academic experience for its students. However, this expense can be prohibitive for many families, and the college's cost has prompted some to question the accessibility of higher education for students from lower-income backgrounds.

While Sarah Lawrence's tuition costs may seem daunting, the college does provide financial aid to help alleviate the financial burden for students and their families. According to the college's official website, more than half of the student body at Sarah Lawrence receives some form of financial assistance. The college awards financial aid based on need, and the school is committed to meeting the full demonstrated financial need of admitted students. Sarah Lawrence's financial aid packages often include a combination of need-based grants, federal and state aid, and work-study opportunities. Additionally, the college encourages students to apply for external scholarships and other funding opportunities to help cover the cost of their education. In this way, Sarah Lawrence seeks to ensure that students from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds can access the academic opportunities the college offers.

The increasing cost of attending private colleges like Sarah Lawrence reflects broader trends in higher education, where tuition rates have been rising at a faster rate than inflation for several decades. Several factors contribute to this increase, including administrative costs, faculty salaries, and the rising costs of providing campus facilities and services. Additionally, many private colleges, including Sarah Lawrence, offer generous financial aid packages, which can also contribute to the overall cost of attendance. While financial aid can help to offset the burden of high tuition costs, the reality is that many families still struggle to afford the price of a private liberal arts education. This has led to growing concerns about the accessibility and affordability of higher education, especially as student loan debt continues to rise across the country.

In addition to Sarah Lawrence College, several other prestigious institutions are ranked among the most expensive colleges in the United States. New York University (NYU), located in the heart of Manhattan, is another institution known for its high cost of attendance. For the 2011-2012 academic year, the total cost of attending NYU was approximately $56,787, making it the second most expensive college in the country. Like Sarah Lawrence, NYU is renowned for its academic programs, particularly in fields such as business, law, arts, and social sciences. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, and its location in New York City provides students with access to a wealth of internships, job opportunities, and cultural experiences. However, the high cost of living in New York City, combined with the institution's tuition rates, makes attending NYU a significant financial commitment for many students and their families.

Columbia University, another Ivy League institution located in New York City, ranks third in terms of total cost, with a price tag of approximately $56,000 for the 2011-2012 academic year. Columbia University is widely regarded as one of the top universities in the world, offering rigorous academic programs and a strong network of alumni who have gone on to achieve success in a variety of fields. The high cost of attending Columbia reflects not only its academic prestige but also the expensive cost of living in New York City, which can add significantly to the overall expense of attending the university. However, like Sarah Lawrence and NYU, Columbia offers generous financial aid packages, and many students receive support in the form of need-based grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities.

Harvey Mudd College, a private institution located in Claremont, California, ranks fourth on the list of most expensive colleges in the United States. Known for its strong emphasis on science, engineering, and mathematics, Harvey Mudd College offers a unique educational experience that combines technical knowledge with a liberal arts foundation. The total cost of attending Harvey Mudd for the 2011-2012 academic year was approximately $54,000. While this is slightly lower than the costs at Sarah Lawrence, NYU, and Columbia, it still reflects the growing expense of attending elite private institutions. Harvey Mudd is highly selective, and its graduates often go on to work in high-paying fields such as technology, engineering, and research. However, the cost of attending can be a significant financial burden, particularly for students who do not receive substantial financial aid.

The rising cost of attending prestigious colleges and universities has prompted many to question the value of a college education, especially when considering the long-term financial implications. While an education from a renowned institution can lead to significant career opportunities and high-paying jobs, it also comes with a hefty price tag that can lead to years of student loan debt. For students considering these institutions, it is important to weigh the potential benefits of attending a prestigious college against the financial cost. While schools like Sarah Lawrence, NYU, and Columbia offer exceptional academic programs and opportunities, the cost of attending may not be feasible for all students. Financial aid can help alleviate some of this burden, but it is essential for students to carefully consider their options and explore ways to minimize their student loan debt.

In conclusion, Sarah Lawrence College's ranking as the most expensive college in the United States for the 2011-2012 academic year highlights the broader trend of rising costs in higher education. The college's commitment to providing a personalized and rigorous academic experience comes at a significant financial cost, but its generous financial aid packages help ensure that many students can still access the opportunities it offers. Similarly, other prestigious institutions like New York University, Columbia University, and Harvey Mudd College also carry high price tags, reflecting both their academic prestige and the rising cost of education. As college costs continue to climb, it is essential for students and their families to carefully consider the financial implications of attending these institutions and to explore ways to make higher education more affordable.

Most Expensive Colleges for 2011-2012:
1. Sarah Lawrence College $59,170
2. New York University $56,787
3. Columbia University $56,310
4. Harvey Mudd College $55,998
5. Eugene Lang College (The New School) $55,890
6. Claremont McKenna College $55,865
7. Wesleyan University $55,706
8. Bard College $55,617
9. Barnard College $55,566
10. Trinity College (CT) $55,450
11. University of Chicago $55,416
12. USC $55,384
13. Dartmouth College $55,365
14. Drexel University $55,335
15. Bates College $55,300
16. Johns Hopkins University $55,242
17. Vassar College $55,135
18. Bard College at Simon's Rock $55,110
19. Haverford College $55,050
20. Pitzer College $54,988
21. Fordham University – Lincoln Center $54,972
22. Connecticut College $54,970
23. Bennington College $54,960
24. Occidental College $54,950
25. Carnegie Mellon $54,922

Source: Campus Grotto