The Degree Finder

Search now in 3 easy steps

Most Expensive Colleges the U.S.

While studying out-of-state may mean enrolling in the most expensive college, the experiences you’ll get from doing so are priceless!

Which Colleges are the Most Expensive in the U.S.?

Studying out-of-state allows students to flourish not only academically, but socially and culturally, as well. Not only will you meet a ton of new people from all around the world, you’ll also be able to experience the cultures and traditions of the state you choose to study in! Our list presents the most expensive colleges ranging in varying tuition costs. Narrow down your options with our search tool below.

Rank School Name City State Net Cost School Level Retention Rate Out-of-State Cost
1

Landmark College

Putney

VT

N/A

4 year

69.05%

$49,950

2

Sarah Lawrence College

Bronxville

NY

N/A

4 year

84.78%

$49,680

3

Vassar College

Poughkeepsie

NY

N/A

4 year

95.42%

$48,840

4

George Washington University

Washington

DC

N/A

4 year

93.4%

$48,700

5

Columbia University in the City of New York

New York

NY

N/A

4 year

96.48%

$48,646

6

Franklin and Marshall College

Lancaster

PA

N/A

4 year

90.89%

$48,414

7

Harvey Mudd College

Claremont

CA

N/A

4 year

96.77%

$48,315

8

Bucknell University

Lewisburg

PA

N/A

4 year

93.14%

$48,234

9

Oberlin College

Oberlin

OH

N/A

4 year

94.31%

$48,054

10

Williams College

Williamstown

MA

N/A

4 year

97.79%

$48,030

11

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh

PA

N/A

4 year

95.97%

$48,030

12

Union College

Schenectady

NY

N/A

4 year

90.34%

$47,913

13

Colgate University

Hamilton

NY

N/A

4 year

95.39%

$47,855

14

Amherst College

Amherst

MA

N/A

4 year

98.5%

$47,720

15

Wesleyan University

Middletown

CT

N/A

4 year

96.49%

$47,702

16

Tufts University

Medford

MA

N/A

4 year

96.94%

$47,596

17

University of Southern California

Los Angeles

CA

N/A

4 year

96.68%

$47,562

18

Bard College

Annandale-On-Hudson

NY

N/A

4 year

87.65%

$47,560

19

Reed College

Portland

OR

N/A

4 year

89.55%

$47,500

20

Gettysburg College

Gettysburg

PA

N/A

4 year

88.62%

$47,480

21

Carleton College

Northfield

MN

N/A

4 year

96.77%

$47,460

22

Bard College at Simon's Rock

Great Barrington

MA

N/A

4 year

79.86%

$47,442

23

Connecticut College

New London

CT

N/A

4 year

91.21%

$47,420

24

St Lawrence University

Canton

NY

N/A

4 year

89.83%

$47,350

25

Hamilton College

Clinton

NY

N/A

4 year

95.93%

$47,350

1 - 25 of 4135
  1. «
  2. 1
  3. 2
  4. 3
  5. 4
  6. 5
  7. »

Overview: Most Expensive Colleges

If you don’t have a specific budget set for tuition in mind, the more expensive colleges are worth considering. The most expensive colleges tend to be private schools that offer specialized classes and have smaller student bodies, offering a more personalized learning experience.

Benefits of Studying at an Expensive College

  • Smaller class sizes allow for a more personalized learning experience.
  • Specialized classes are available, in addition to the traditional curriculum.
  • Most of these expensive colleges are prestigious and nationally recognized for providing top-notch education, and are known by the name (i.e. Harvard University).
  • Experienced professors know their subjects well and put in the effort to not only teach the material, but also make sure that students are understanding everything and succeeding.
  • Academic standards are higher, weeding out students who don’t have the drive to succeed.
  • Other students are generally more serious about their education & career.

Which College is the Best?

Because every student and their goals are different, it is impossible to generalize and name a college that is the “best.” The best way for students to determine which school is right for them is to take some time to visit the top-choice campuses and evaluate the pros and cons personally. It’s all about individual perspective!