The U.S. is home to some of the most expensive colleges in the world, with annual tuitions surpassing $50,000. While some countries emphasize that education should be a public affair and therefore charges as minimal of fees as possible to university students looking to earn their graduate degree, this is not the case for other nations. Although the United States isn’t the only place that offers exceptional education in exchange for sky-high tuition rates, it certainly houses some of the priciest academic institutions in the world.
A short while ago we addressed this issue in an article about the 10 most expensive boarding schools in the world, noting that most of them were either British or American, and this is also true for graduates. However, the assumption that higher fees equal a better education happens to make the universities on this list some of the most solicited as well. So let’s see which names fall under the most expensive colleges in the world and what they have to offer.
10. Imperial College London
Annual tuition: $42,000 (approximately)
The London-based institution offers a smaller range of careers compared to other colleges, with its main focus on engineering and computer science. Therefore, the average tuition of $42,000 per year doesn’t fluctuate much between fields of work. Also, women are likely to receive a scholarship due to their incursion into a male-dominated industry.
The nine most expensive colleges in the world, and some of the most prestigious institutions on the planet, are yet to come on our countdown. You can’t afford to miss them (or attend them, most likely).
9. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Annual tuition: $43,361
Much like London’s Imperial College, Caltech is a highly qualified and renowned university for any student looking to break into the technology field. Although much smaller in size than its peer MIT, this school offers the same level of superior education.
8. Harvard University
Annual tuition: $43,938
Surprisingly enough, while Harvard remains in the top three of most prestigious colleges in the world, its cost doesn’t seem to match that position. Although the hefty tuition is no joke, the school is very supportive of its students’ economic needs, providing 70% of them with financial aid and 60% with scholarships. Also, professionals looking to gain their PhD may do so free of charge.
7. Stanford University
Annual tuition: $44,184
Much like its fellow institutions, Stanford’s tuition can be tricky to come by as an average middle-class student. Furthermore, while Harvard offers its financial aid to all pupils, Stanford only offers need-blind admission to US residents. International students are required to verify their funding through other means in order to be eligible for admission.
6. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Annual tuition: $45,016
Now, before you tech students start crying over how expensive MIT is and that you’ll never make it there, let me set you at ease. This is one of the few universities that truly acknowledge its costliness, offering over $87 million in financial aid. In fact, 90% of all students are supported through awards ranging at around $40,100, making MIT comparatively affordable.
5. New York University (NYU)
Annual tuition: $46,148
As one of the most sought-after institutions in the world, NYU attracts a very large international crowd of alums looking to enhance their intellect. Although financial aid is available, the fact that the university campus is located in the heart of Manhattan makes the cost of living exponentially higher than at other institutions.
4. Dartmouth College
Annual tuition: $48,108
The smallest of the Ivy League schools, Dartmouth’s history takes us way back to 1769, before the American Revolution. But never mind the past, because this school has produced three Nobel Prize winners, while maintaining its status as an exclusive private research facility.
3. University of Chicago
Annual tuition: $48,253
Although this institution isn’t really considered an Ivy League school, it’s still got plenty to offer. With eight Nobel Prize winners as active faculty and the largest university press in the United States, it’s almost comprehensible why tuition is so hefty. However, financial aid is certainly at hand here, while admissions are difficult.
2. Sarah Lawrence College
Annual tuition: $50,780
This private liberal arts college stands out for its extremely low student-to-faculty ratio. While this is oftentimes an issue in large Ivy League schools like Harvard or Yale, Sarah Lawrence emphasizes the importance of one-on-one tutoring. Students that attend this university are also known for their proclivity towards political activism.
1. Columbia University
Annual tuition: $51,008
It’s not at all surprising that Columbia is amongst the top three on our list of most expensive colleges in the world, given its history. Established in 1754 as the King’s College, Columbia received its name 30 years later and today it has 98 Nobel Prize winners and 29 heads of state to show for itself. Therefore, admission rates are low and competition for scholarships is fierce.
