Most expensive universities & College tuition inflation

Most Expensive Universities – Introduction

For many students deciding which colleges to apply to, cost and financial aid are big deciding factors. Knowing which schools are the least and most expensive colleges in the US can indicate what attending a university costs. Tuition, along with room and board, school supplies, living expenses, and transportation, are some of the many things that make the most expensive universities in the world cost the most.

The cost of college is constantly increasing from year to year. Thus, the already monumental college decision becomes even more important for students and parents alike. Rising college costs have been seen across the board for both private and public universities. Many have even seen increases in the last year. For example, tuition and fees for public four-year universities are $190 higher for in-state universities. And, they’re $620 higher for out-of-state universities, while private nonprofit four-year universities are $1,330 higher.

So, what is the most expensive university in the US? Or maybe you’re wondering what is the most expensive university in the world? Or more specifically, what is the most expensive college near me?

Some schools are considerably more expensive than others. However, the most expensive college for one student may not necessarily be the most expensive college for you. In fact, you may be surprised to find that the school with the most expensive college tuition isn’t actually the most expensive college in the world. Additionally, if you search colleges by region, you may be surprised that the most expensive universities are located all across the US.

In this expert guide to the Most Expensive Universities, you’ll find:

• Discussion of rising college costs
• A college tuition inflation chart to help you better understand rising college costs
• Lists of colleges with the most expensive college tuition
• A list of the most expensive universities in the world
• The top 10 most expensive colleges in the US
• Advice on how to plan for the cost of college, and more!

Understanding inflation and the cost of college is more important now than ever. This is especially true for students considering applying to some of the most expensive universities in the world. Students who had to borrow money to pay for college are experiencing what is now called the student debt crisis. Many Americans, no matter if they attended the most expensive colleges in the US, are struggling to pay back their student loans, resulting in a nearly $1.6 trillion crisis.

Before we start exploring the most expensive colleges in the US and find out which school is the most expensive college in the world, let’s learn a little bit more about college tuition inflation.

Exploring college tuition inflation

With prices rising for everything from gasoline to milk to clothing, it’s no surprise that inflation is on everyone’s mind. But what exactly is inflation, and how does it affect how we view the most expensive colleges in the US?

Inflation happens when prices rise, which forces the value of money to decline. Recently, the rate of inflation has declined since hitting a 9.1% peak in June 2022. In May 2023, the rate of inflation was at 4.1%. While this number is much lower than just a year ago, it’s still higher than the Federal Reserve’s 2% goal.

A high rate of inflation means that many goods and services, including essential living expenses like groceries and rent prices, are more expensive than usual. Over the past years, people have felt these increased costs eat into their savings and income more and more.

While college should be considered an important investment in your future, rising college costs can greatly impact how much you and your family can expect to pay in college tuition and related costs. Learning about the effects of college tuition inflation can help you prepare and plan for the future. That way, you can decide whether or not the most expensive colleges in the US are right for you. While the most expensive universities in the world can provide you with an exceptional education, it is important to weigh the benefits of attending the most expensive universities with how much they cost.

What is college tuition inflation?

While the cost of college has stabilized over the last two years, college tuition costs have risen dramatically over time. College tuition inflation is the rate at which the cost of college increases year after year. Even the most expensive college tuition can get more expensive. So, while some schools may rise and fall on our list of the most expensive universities, our list of the 25 most expensive colleges in the US is likely to remain fairly consistent in the years to come.

While the most expensive college in the world has remained the same for the last three years, the cost of college has risen steadily over the last ten years, approximately 4.63% per year from 2010 – 2020. This number is even higher at 4-year public universities, where college tuition rose by over 31% from 2010 – 2020. According to Forbes, the price of college has increased due to several reasons. This list includes how universities choose to prioritize their spending, a lack of transparency surrounding financial aid and costs, and the increased availability of student loans.

Additionally, many students and parents believe that the high price of college will be worth it in the long run by providing access to higher-paying jobs. However, this is not the case for all majors and areas of academic study. While the most expensive university in the world might claim to provide opportunities you won’t find anywhere else, leaving college with a large amount of debt can leave you struggling to pay off your student loans for years.

Does inflation affect college tuition?

Yes – the price of college is affected by inflation. Like every part of the American economy, the education sector is impacted by inflation rates. As inflation increases, consumers will see prices climb higher: the cost of living, borrowing money, and higher education. Over time, this results in a decrease in consumers’ purchasing power. So, their money isn’t worth what it used to be. This can make even the most expensive university in the world feel even more expensive.

While inflation is greatly impacting the prices of other goods and services, the good news is that college tuition inflation is below recent overall economic inflation rates. However, that doesn’t mean the most expensive universities in the world are any less expensive. Even when adjusted for inflation, college tuition rates are rising at an incredible rate. Average college tuition costs have more than doubled in the 21st century. Additionally, inflation has led to price increases on other goods students may need for college, including books, transportation, and electronics.

When was college tuition inflation at its worst?

College tuition costs have risen dramatically over the past several years. In the 1980s, the price of college increased by 121.4%. By 1988, the most expensive university in the US was Bennington College, which cost $18,990 per year. Although the most extreme shift in college tuition costs was several decades ago, the sticker price of college still increases yearly. The price of college in 2019-2020 is 180% times higher than it was in 1980.

While private universities tend to have the most expensive college tuition, the price of public universities has also risen. From 2010 – 2020, college tuition costs at public universities increased by 31.4%.

College tuition inflation chart

Let’s look at how college tuition inflation has changed over time. The college tuition inflation chart below shows how average college tuition costs have increased over the last ten years. When adjusted for inflation, tuition rates spiked during the 2015 – 2016 school year. However, that doesn’t make the most expensive universities any less expensive today. Even though the rates of tuition inflation were more dramatic several years ago, the price of college continues to rise. 

This college tuition inflation chart is just one way to put the most expensive universities of today into context. Tuition costs at the most expensive university in USA history from 60 years ago can’t compare to tuition costs at the most expensive university in USA statistics today. After taking inflation into account, the cost of tuition has increased by 747.8% from 1963-2022. That means that compared to the most expensive college in the 1960s, the most expensive college in the world today is far more expensive.

What university has the highest tuition rate?

Although you might think that the most expensive college in the world would likely have the most expensive college tuition in the world, this isn’t necessarily the case.

According to a study by BrokeScholar, the most expensive college in the US for the 2022-23 academic year, based on tuition and required fees, is Columbia University.

Columbia University

As one of the most expensive universities in the world, Columbia costs $65,524 to attend, not including room, board, textbooks, or other costs.

When considering Columbia as one of the most expensive universities for undergraduate students, it is important to remember that tuition is just one contributing factor to the overall cost of college. Room and board have their own costs, as do textbooks and general expenses. 

Location and the cost of college

The price of college can also be affected by a school’s location. Certain cities will be more expensive to live in than others. If you plan on exploring the community outside of campus, factor in what cities the most expensive universities are located. For example, going out and living in New York City, where Columbia University is located, is going to be significantly more expensive than in Columbia, Missouri, home to Columbia College.

More broadly, different areas of the country can have schools that are more and less expensive, so you might be surprised where the most expensive university in USA statistics is located. If you search for colleges by region, you’ll likely find that living expenses are lower in smaller towns than in major cities, but the most expensive universities can be found everywhere, especially if they are private.

As you plan for college tuition costs, make sure you think about more than just tuition. The answer to “what are the most expensive colleges” will be different for every student. Just because a school has high college tuition costs doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply. In addition to having a high sticker price, many of the most expensive colleges in the US also have robust financial aid programs.

Since location is such an important factor, we’ve made exploring colleges by location easy with our College Search Feature! In addition to narrowing down colleges by state, you can also look at colleges with specific tuition costs.

What are the most expensive colleges?

So, what are the most expensive universities? Before we look at the most expensive colleges in the US, let’s stop to think about why you might choose to attend the most expensive college on your list. It’s important to remember that the most expensive college in the world is not necessarily the best college in the world, nor the best college for you. If you are considering applying to the most expensive college in the world, be sure it has the right combination of academics and student life, is the right size, and is in the right location for you. Now let’s look at the most expensive colleges in America.

CBS News rates the five most expensive colleges in America:

Harvey Mudd College

University of Pennsylvania

Amherst College

University of Southern California

Tufts University

Although these college tuition costs include additional costs, like room and board, as well as tuition, these schools have some of the most expensive college tuition you’ll find across the country. Each of these colleges costs more than $60,000 each year in tuition alone.

It’s no surprise that some of the most expensive universities in the country are private universities. Generally speaking, private colleges and universities tend to be pricier than their public counterparts, even for out-of-state students. When looking for “colleges near me,” make sure you check whether the school is a public or private university. Many private colleges are considered the most expensive college in the state for both in-state and out-of-state residents. So, looking at colleges in your state or colleges by region won’t make as much of a difference.  

Top 25 Most Expensive Colleges in the US

Instead of only looking at the top 5 most expensive colleges, or the top 10 most expensive colleges in the US, we’re expanding our list to include the Top 25 Most Expensive Colleges in America, in no particular order. As you look at the most expensive universities in the US, remember that this list reflects the full costs of attendance rather than tuition alone, so these schools do not necessarily have the most expensive college tuition specifically.

And now, in no particular order, our Top 10 Most Expensive Colleges…

As you look at this list of the most expensive colleges in the US, you might notice that the price of college at the top 10 most expensive colleges are quite similar. While the University of Pennsylvania may not be considered the most expensive university in the world, it is only slightly cheaper than Amherst College. 

That being said, account for your college tuition costs multiplying by four years and potentially rising over time. Additionally, check each college’s website for the most up-to-date tuition costs. Keep in mind that the most expensive colleges in the US will vary slightly each year.

What is the most expensive college in the US?

The most expensive college in the US, and likely the most expensive university in the world, including all relevant costs, is Amherst College. As the most expensive university in the US, Amherst College has both a high price tag and a lot to offer students. However, if you look at tuition alone, you might discover a different most expensive university in the US.

Generally, the most expensive colleges in America are privately operated. Private colleges often end up being the most expensive universities in the world, especially when compared to their public counterparts. It’s no surprise that the most expensive university in the world is located in the US, given the recent trends in college pricing that show costs continue to rise.

Even if you’re applying to the most expensive university in the world, always include affordable schools on your college list. Depending on where you live, searching “public colleges near me” can help you get a sense of what in-state options might offer the lowest cost of attendance. If you are sure you want to stay in-state for school, you can also search for the “most expensive college near me” to get a sense of what other colleges may cost.

Exploring the Top 25 Most Expensive Colleges in the World

The American higher education system is more expensive than that of other countries. So, it stands to reason that some of the most expensive universities in the world are located in the US. Some contributing factors include a lack of public funding for higher education and increased demand, so, any list of the most expensive universities in the world will be dominated by US colleges.

The cost of tuition can also vary across colleges by region. If you search colleges by region, you’ll find that some of the most expensive universities are on the east coast. However, which schools are considered the most expensive college for you will depend on where you are from. Many colleges outside of the US may be more expensive for international students, so do your research as you budget for attending a college outside the US. This includes travel plans, as it will be more difficult to return home for breaks if you choose to do so. 

Knowing schools in America are often the most expensive universities in the world, it should be no surprise which school is the most expensive college in the world.  Amherst College is the most expensive college in the US and the most expensive college in the world. It is ranked #2 in National Liberal Arts Colleges, #2 in Best Undergraduate Teaching, and #3 in Best Value Schools.

Most Expensive Universities in the World

Now let’s look at some of the most expensive universities abroad. While these schools may be less expensive than the most expensive university in the world, they are some of the most expensive universities outside the US. Here’s our list of a few of the most expensive colleges in the world to explore.

1. University of Queensland (Brisbane, Australia)

2. University of Melbourne (Melbourne, Australia)

3. University of Toronto (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)

4. Toronto Metropolitan University (previously Ryerson University) (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)

5. Regent’s University London (London, United Kingdom)

While none of these schools are considered the very most expensive college in the world, nor the most expensive college in their respective countries, they are still some of the most expensive universities in the world. Depending on the financial aid you receive, they may be some of the most expensive universities on your college list.

Which is the most expensive college in the world?

Generally speaking, the most expensive colleges in the US are more expensive than their international counterparts. So, it makes sense that the most expensive universities in the world are located in the US.

Accordingly, Amherst College is still the most expensive college in the world. 

Because the most expensive universities are located in the US, many students choose to study internationally at non-US schools. While this can come with additional fees, many international schools have lower tuition than private universities in the US. Therefore, the most expensive university in the world outside of the US is cheaper than those in the US.

Colleges responding to college tuition inflation

Due to the ongoing student debt crisis, coupled with the ongoing pandemic, many schools have instituted policies that help make the cost of college more affordable. Here are some examples of how the most expensive universities have made plans to help students in the past.

For the 2022-2023 school year:

• Ohio Dominican University is freezing undergraduate college tuition and is instead providing more support through merit awards.
• Baylor University plans to lessen the blow of rising college costs by capping its tuition increase at 3%.
• USC has also chosen to freeze its college tuition for the third year in a row.
• Purdue has also frozen its college tuition to help students afford the cost of college.

While these programs remain limited, they can provide students with much-needed support as they attend some of the most expensive universities, even the most expensive university in the world. The majority of the most expensive universities also offer financial aid and scholarships to qualifying applicants. However, many of the most expensive universities in the nation increased their costs for the 2023-2024 school year.

5 steps you can take today to help plan for the cost of college

1. Do your research

As you start creating your college list, do some research on the most expensive colleges in the US. Many of these schools offer expansive programs and comprehensive financial aid packages that make it possible for students from all financial backgrounds to attend. CollegeAdvisor has financial aid scholarship webinars for students of all backgrounds, like our navigating federal financial aid for students with disabilities, or first-generation college student guides, to help you learn more about what you can do to afford even the most expensive universities. If you already know which of the most expensive universities you want to apply to, check out our school-specific financial aid guides for schools like Brown, Columbia, and Harvard.

2. Build a college list with costs at the forefront

The most expensive college in the US is not necessarily the best college for you, so make sure you compare college costs before adding schools to your list. Many schools have a financial aid calculator you can use to estimate your cost of attendance even before you apply, which can help give you an idea if the most expensive college on your list is feasible for you to attend. Even if the most expensive universities seem out of reach, remember that they are often private universities with strong financial aid programs for students who can demonstrate financial need.

3. Complete your financial aid paperwork.

If your dream school is considered one of the most expensive colleges in the US, make sure you submit your FAFSA and CSS profile on time. Successfully finding scholarships and financial aid can be the difference between being able to attend the most expensive university in the world and having to leave the most expensive universities off of your college list. If you are brand new to the financial aid process, check out our FAFSA 101 and Scholarship 101 webinars.

4. Look for merit scholarships

Merit scholarships are a great way for students to manage the cost of college and make even the most expensive colleges in the US more affordable. We have school-specific merit scholarship guides, for colleges like USC and Vanderbilt, to help students afford even the most expensive universities.

5. Find work on campus

Both the most expensive colleges in the US and the least expensive offer students opportunities to work on campus. If you are applying for federal student aid, you can be granted work study as part of your financial aid package, so be sure to complete your FAFSA on time.

Most expensive universities and college tuition inflation – Final Thoughts

The most expensive university in the world is also the most expensive college in the US, inflation is at an all-time high, and we can likely expect that the most expensive universities will only be getting more expensive in the future. Now that you know which of the most expensive universities is the most expensive university in the world and why they’re so expensive, you also know that more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better. Both the most expensive universities and least expensive universities in the country have a lot to offer potential students, so you need to do your research to decide what is the most advantageous decision you can make for yourself in the long run.

Whether or not you choose to attend one of the most expensive colleges in the US, it is valuable to find ways to manage the increasing cost of college.

If you need support, we can help

If one of your dream schools falls on the list of the most expensive universities in the world, be sure to do your research on the other most expensive universities and compare their financial aid programs. Schools that choose to support their students financially show that they’re making a commitment to not only being the most expensive college, but also the most accessible. Attending the most expensive university in the world doesn’t guarantee success in a person’s finances or career down the road, so make sure you find a school that provides everything you need to feel confident about applying.

If you’re interested in the most expensive universities in the world but aren’t sure whether you should include them on your college list, take some time to work with one of our Advisors. Our team at CollegeAdvisor.com is well-versed in the most expensive universities and can help you decide which of the most expensive universities you should keep on your college list, and which you can leave behind.

This article was written by Stefanie Tedards. No matter what stage you are at in your college search, CollegeAdvisor.com is here to help. Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.