Sam SmithThe rising cost of higher education in the United States has made affordability a central concern for families and students. For the present academic year, many private institutions now list a total cost of attendance (COA) exceeding $85,000–$90,000 annually. This figure includes tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, and personal expenses. While these “sticker prices” can be daunting, it’s important to remember that generous financial aid packages and scholarships often reduce the actual net price significantly.
Most Expensive Private Schools In The US
1. University of Chicago
With a COA around $91,000, Chicago is the priciest U.S. university. Known for its rigorous Core curriculum and intellectual culture, it excels in economics, law, and sciences. Its Hyde Park location offers urban access with a scholarly atmosphere. Generous aid offsets costs, but sticker price reflects its elite status and strong graduate outcomes.
2. University of Southern California (USC)
At ~$90,900, USC combines academic prestige with Los Angeles opportunities. Renowned for film, business, and engineering, it boasts strong alumni networks in entertainment and tech. Its vibrant campus culture and global reach make it attractive despite high costs. Merit scholarships are common, reducing net price for many.
3. Brown University
Brown’s ~$90,700 COA reflects Ivy League prestige and its unique open curriculum. Students design their own academic paths, fostering independence and creativity. Located in Providence, it emphasizes liberal arts, sciences, and interdisciplinary study. Brown’s endowment supports generous need‑based aid, making actual costs lower for many families.
4. Northwestern University
With ~$90,000 COA, Northwestern offers top programs in journalism, law, business, and engineering. Its Evanston campus provides proximity to Chicago’s professional opportunities. Known for strong research and interdisciplinary study, Northwestern balances academic rigor with vibrant student life. Financial aid and scholarships help offset its high sticker price.
5. University of Pennsylvania
Penn’s ~$89,800 COA reflects Ivy League prestige and integration with Wharton and other schools. Located in Philadelphia, it offers strengths in business, law, medicine, and liberal arts. Penn emphasizes cross‑disciplinary learning and practical outcomes. Its large endowment supports need‑based aid, reducing costs for many admitted students.
6. Dartmouth College
At ~$89,700, Dartmouth combines Ivy League academics with a close‑knit liberal arts environment. Its rural Hanover setting fosters community and outdoor engagement. Known for strong undergraduate focus, it excels in government, economics, and sciences. Generous financial aid and small class sizes make Dartmouth appealing despite high costs.
7. Yale University
Yale’s ~$89,700 COA reflects Ivy League prestige and global influence. Renowned for humanities, law, and sciences, it emphasizes residential college life and close faculty mentorship. Located in New Haven, Yale offers strong alumni networks and leadership pathways. Its endowment supports extensive need‑based aid, often lowering net costs dramatically.
8. Columbia University
At ~$89,600, Columbia offers Ivy League academics in the heart of New York City. Known for its Core curriculum, strengths in humanities, law, and finance, and proximity to Wall Street, Columbia provides unmatched professional access. Its high sticker price is offset by substantial need‑based aid for admitted students.
9. Boston University
BU’s ~$89,400 COA makes it one of the priciest non‑Ivy schools. Located in Boston, it offers strong programs in business, communications, and health sciences. Its urban campus provides access to internships and cultural opportunities. BU awards merit scholarships and need‑based aid, reducing costs for many students.
10. Georgetown University
At ~$89,200, Georgetown combines Jesuit tradition with global influence. Located in Washington, D.C., it excels in international relations, law, and public policy. Its School of Foreign Service is world‑renowned. Georgetown’s location offers unparalleled access to government and NGOs. Financial aid and scholarships help offset its high sticker price.
Top 50 Most Expensive Schools in the U.S.
(Ranked by Total Cost of Attendance — Tuition, Fees, Room & Board, etc.)
| Rank | School | Approx. Total Cost (COA) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Chicago | ~$91,000 |
| 2 | University of Southern California (USC) | ~$90,900 |
| 3 | Brown University | ~$90,700 |
| 4 | Northwestern University | ~$90,000 |
| 5 | University of Pennsylvania | ~$89,800 |
| 6 | Dartmouth College | ~$89,700 |
| 7 | Yale University | ~$89,700 |
| 8 | Columbia University | ~$89,600 |
| 9 | Boston University | ~$89,400 |
| 10 | Georgetown University | ~$89,200 |
| 11 | Cornell University | ~$88,900 |
| 12 | New York University (NYU) | ~$88,800 |
| 13 | Duke University | ~$88,700 |
| 14 | Johns Hopkins University | ~$88,600 |
| 15 | Harvey Mudd College | ~$88,500 |
| 16 | Washington University in St. Louis | ~$88,400 |
| 17 | Tufts University | ~$88,300 |
| 18 | Barnard College | ~$88,200 |
| 19 | Rice University | ~$88,100 |
| 20 | Vanderbilt University | ~$88,000 |
| 21 | Carnegie Mellon University | ~$87,900 |
| 22 | University of Notre Dame | ~$87,800 |
| 23 | Emory University | ~$87,700 |
| 24 | Tulane University | ~$87,600 |
| 25 | University of Miami | ~$87,500 |
| 26 | University of Rochester | ~$87,400 |
| 27 | Case Western Reserve University | ~$87,300 |
| 28 | Northeastern University | ~$87,200 |
| 29 | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) | ~$87,100 |
| 30 | Santa Clara University | ~$87,000 |
| 31 | Wake Forest University | ~$86,900 |
| 32 | Boston College | ~$86,800 |
| 33 | Syracuse University | ~$86,700 |
| 34 | Pepperdine University | ~$86,600 |
| 35 | Fordham University | ~$86,500 |
| 36 | George Washington University | ~$86,400 |
| 37 | Southern Methodist University (SMU) | ~$86,300 |
| 38 | American University | ~$86,200 |
| 39 | University of Denver | ~$86,100 |
| 40 | Bentley University | ~$86,000 |
| 41 | Oberlin College | ~$85,900 |
| 42 | Colgate University | ~$85,800 |
| 43 | Hamilton College | ~$85,700 |
| 44 | Middlebury College | ~$85,600 |
| 45 | Claremont McKenna College | ~$85,500 |
| 46 | Williams College | ~$85,400 |
| 47 | Amherst College | ~$85,300 |
| 48 | Haverford College | ~$85,200 |
| 49 | University of the Pacific | ~$85,100 |
| 50 | Loyola Marymount University (LMU) | ~$85,000 |
Closing
Ultimately, the numbers on this list reflect the maximum published costs, not what most students will pay. Elite universities with large endowments often provide substantial need‑based aid, while many private schools offer merit scholarships to attract strong applicants. The real decision should balance value and return on investment—considering graduate outcomes, alumni networks, and career support alongside cost. Use each school’s Net Price Calculator to understand your personalized estimate, and remember: the most expensive school isn’t always the best fit for your goals.