10 Most Expensive Private Colleges in the United States

College education in America has never been cheap. But the costs of higher education are astounding in some colleges and universities across the country. US News and World Report recently listed out the 10 most expensive private colleges in America. The most expensive private university is Columbia University, a highly respected institution that is charging above $45,000 as tuition costs for the current academic year. According to the report, the average total cost of the 10 most expensive schools is seven times the amount charged by the 10 least expensive schools. Intrigued? Read on to learn more about the 10 most expensive private colleges in America.

1. Columbia University

Where: New York, NY
Tuition and fees for 2011-12: $45,290

Located in Manhattan’s Morningside Heights area, Columbia University in New York City is the most expensive private college in America. The costs of tuition and other fees alone come up to a staggering $45,290, a figure that places this highly ranked educational institution beyond the reach of many students. The university houses three undergraduate schools and offers several acclaimed graduate programs. Founded in 1754, Columbia University counts among its alumni such personalities as US President Barack Obama, actor Maggi Gyllenhaal and legendary songwriters Rodgers and Hammerstein. The university has an impressive student-faculty ratio of 6:1, with almost 80 percent of classes having less than 20 students. Despite the cost, the most expensive private college has a high freshman retention rate of 98.8 percent. It helps that close to 51.5 percent of full-time graduates receive financial aid, with the average amount being $38,356.

2. Vassar College

Where: Poughkeepsie, NY
Tuition and fees for 2011-12: $44,705

Spread over 1,000 acres in Hudson Valley, just off New York City, our second most expensive private college is a scenic suburban property. With fees that are just shy of that of Columbia University, this former women’s-only college is an expensive educational proposition. The social sciences are the most popular major here, with 21 percent of its enrolled 2,446 undergraduate students seeking social science degrees. Vassar College has an enviable student-faculty ratio of 8:1 – not quite in the league of Columbia University, but not too far off either. 62.5 percent of its classes have a student population of under 20 students, and 96 percent of freshmen prefer not to dropout. Students who wish to pursue their academic dreams here can apply for a scholarship or grant. 62.8 percent of full-time undergrads get some financial aid. The average amount is about $36,353.

3. Trinity College

Where: Hartford, CT
Tuition and fees for 2011-12: $44,070

This popular liberal arts college has been educating students since 1823. Trinity College is charging undergraduate students a huge sum of $44,070 as tuition and other fees for the year 2011-12, which brings the college to the third spot on this list of the most expensive private colleges. This year’s 2,331 enrolled students has a male to female ratio of nearly 1:1. The Hartford institution has a student-teacher ratio of 10:1, while 63 percent of classes here have less than 20 students. Economics is the popular subject here. Moreover, it seems that most students are satisfied with the college; the freshman retention rate is an impressive 91 percent. Compared to Columbia University and Vassar College, Trinity College offers financial aid to a smaller proportion of students – about 44.1 percent. However, those that get financial help receive, on the average, a sum close to $36,812.

4. St. John’s College

Where: Annapolis, MD
Tuition and fees for 2011-12: $44,056

The urban private college is relatively small; this year the full-time undergraduate enrollments are only 463. However, that does not mean that this longstanding educational behind lags behind in terms of cost. Tuition and other fees at St. John’s College bring costs up to $44,056 a year, not including room and board. The fourth most expensive private college on our list has a student-faculty ratio of 7:1. Compared to the above mentioned most expensive private colleges, St. John’s freshman retention rate is somewhat lower; but at 83 percent, it is a very competitive rate.

5. Connecticut College

Where: New London, CT
Tuition and fees for 2011-12: $43,990

Economics is the most popular course at this private co-ed college that takes the fifth spot on this list of the most expensive private colleges. Full-time undergraduate students at Connecticut College can expect to pay around $43,990 for the academic year 2011-12; room and board are additional. However, students who cannot afford the staggering fees can apply for a scholarship or a grant. This most expensive private college provides 48.1 percent of its students with financial aid averaging at around $30,329. Connecticut College may not be the largest private college on this list – the enrolments for the year are 1,887 – but students attest that it has great faculty. Another plus, the campus offers great opportunities for nearby roadtrips.

6. Bucknell University

Where: Lewisburg, PA
Tuition and fees for 2011-12: $43,866

In the academic year of 2011-12, Bucknell University in Lewisburg has 3,508 enrollments with a male-female ratio of 49:51. The student-faculty ratio is a healthy 10:1. The private institution has been educating young minds since 1846. Spread over 445 acres in the rural setting of Lewisburg, this popular liberal arts college is charging an astounding $43,866 as tuition and fees for the academic year 2011-12. Students who cannot afford the staggering costs can apply for need-based financial aid. According to official figures, 45.7 percent of full-time undergraduates are provided an average scholarship or grant amount of $22,300. However, the financial help is somewhat lower than that offered by the top five most expensive private colleges on this list.

7. Bard College at Simon’s Rock

Where: Great Barrington, MA
Tuition and fees for 2011-12: $43,840

Spread over 210 acres, Bard College at Simon’s Rock is a small private college that has only 380 enrollments for the current academic year. Again, being small in size is no guarantee that the costs will be low. If anything, Bard College’s annual fees prove otherwise. One of the most expensive private colleges in America, Bard College at Simon’s Rock is charging $43,840 for the academic year 2011-12. The college has a great student-faculty ratio of 8:1 and 94.3 percent of its classes have less than 20 students. However, the freshman retention rate, which is an indicator of student satisfaction, is average at 78 percent.

8. Wesleyan University

Where: Middletown, CT
Tuition and fees for 2011-12: $43,674

Located in High Street in Middletown, Conn., Wesleyan University is one of the most expensive private colleges in the United States. This educational institution has been around since 1831. One of the top premier liberal arts colleges in America, Wesleyan University draws students from around the country and abroad. The annual costs notwithstanding, this private college boasts of a terrific freshman retention ratio of 95.5 percent. The top pick at Wesleyan University is Psychology, though other courses like Economics, English Language and Literature and Political Science are also popular. The student-faculty ratio here is 9:1. And if money is a problem, 47.7 percent of full-time undergraduates get some kind of aid.

9. Tulane University

Where: New Orleans, LA
Tuition and fees for 2011-12: $43,434

Compared to the other most expensive private colleges mentioned here, Tulane University in New Orleans is huge. The university has 7,803 full-time undergraduate students. According to official figures, 70.5 percent of such students had an average of 92 percent of their financial needs met. The average need-based financial grants awarded by the institution cover about $25,644 of the total cost. Of course, room and board is extra for the 44 percent who live on campus. The student-faculty ratio is somewhat higher here, at 11:1, while only 66.8 percent of classes have under 20 students. However, students seem to be pleased with the educational experience here; the freshman retention rate is quite high at 89.2 percent.

10. Carnegie Mellon University

Where: Pittsburgh, PA
Tuition and fees for 2011-12: $43,396

Carnegie Mellon University has been around for over a century, since being founded in the year 1900 by industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Most students live on campus, although the room and boarding charges are exclusive of the annual tuition and fees that come up to $43,396. About 49.3 percent of full-time undergraduates are fortunate enough to receive need-based financial aid to the tune of $24,819 on the average. A strong freshman retention rate of 95.2 percent ensures that students are largely happy with the educational experience here. Electrical and Electronics Engineering, and Computer Science are popular picks at this university.

Higher education is expensive, but don’t let the staggering costs keep you from your dream of further studies. Scholarships and grants are always available. And there are always respected less expensive colleges to which you can apply.

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