The most expensive university in the USA changes from year to year, because schools raise prices at different rates. But one name comes up often: Harvey Mudd College, a small science and engineering school in California. For 2024-25, its total cost of attendance was reported at $93,131, which made it one of the highest sticker prices in the country.
Other private universities also charge very high prices. Harvard’s billed cost for 2024-25 was $82,866 for tuition, fees, room, and board. Many private colleges now sit between $80,000 and $90,000 per year.
Sticker price is not what most families pay. Private colleges with large endowments often give generous need-based aid, so the net cost can be far lower. Always check a school’s net price calculator before judging whether it is affordable.
If you compare schools, use the same year’s figures and the same measure. Some lists rank tuition alone, others rank total cost of attendance. Mixing the two gives a misleading picture.
Related reading: The True Cost of a Business Administration Degree: What You Need to Know, Master’s Degree Cost, and How much does Harvard cost for international students?.
