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Methodology -

To capture the true cost of attending each University, College Transitions calculated the total cost of attendance (COA). This included not only tuition but also fees, housing, meals, books, and sometimes even transportation and personal expenses.

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30. Columbia University -

The full COA is US$89,587 at Columbia University. The university typically awards more than US$2 million in scholarships and grants each year. 

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29. Southern Methodist university -

The full COA is US$89,676 at Southern Methodist University. For first-year students who demonstrate a financial need, the award amount is about US$4,878.

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28. Pitzer College -

The full COA is US$89,792 at Pitzer College. Here, 42% of students receive financial aid assistance and the school aims to eliminate barriers to education. The financial aid package is US$44,406.

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27. Middlebury College -

The full COA is US$89,850 at Middlebury College. Both need-based and merit-based grants are awarded at Middlebury and it's considered to be one of the most generous institutions in the US.

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26. Franklin and Marshall College -

Tuition and fees are US$70,794 and the full COA is US$90,079 at Franklin and Marshall College. At F&M there is no merit-based financial aid. However, if you're able to demonstrate a financial need, then you may be in luck.

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25. Boston University -

Tuition and fees are US$68,102 and the full COA is US$90,207 at Boston University. Boston University offers both need-based and merit-based award opportunities. For need-based, students, the school awards on average US$36,000 compared to the US$28,000 for merit-based.

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24. Barnard College -

Tuition and fees are US$66,246 and the full COA is US$90,928 at Barnard College. Those who can demonstrate a financial need at Barnard College often end up having a lower debt than the average college graduate.

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23. Reed College -

Tuition and fees are US$69,350 and the full COA is US$90,960 at Reed College. More than half of Reed students qualify for need-based aid. If you don't, though, proceed with caution as Reed College can have a hefty price tag without help.

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22. Yale University -

Tuition and fees are US$67,250 and the full COA is US$90,975 at Yale University. The famous Ivy League university has a 41 billion dollar endowment to thank for helping need-based students afford an education there.

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21. Colorado College -

Tuition and fees are US$70,734 and the full COA is US$91,154 at Colorado College. Average annual, need-based grants are valued at about US$60,000 making it possible for many to attend the school.

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20. Wake Forest -

Tuition and fees are US$67,642 and the full COA is US$91,266 at Wake Forest University. Only 25% of undergraduates in need see a financial award from Wake Forest However, those who receive about US$52,000.

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19. Dartmouth College -

Tuition and fees are US$68,268 and the full COA is US$91,312 at Dartmouth College. For the 2025 class, the average annual scholarship awarded was US$67,000.

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18. Claremont McKenna College -

Tuition and fees are US$67,980 and the full COA is US$91,510 at Claremont McKenna College. For families that earn less than six figures a year, there are aid packages in the US$65 to US$75,000 range.

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17. Brown University -

Tuition and fees are US$71,412 and the full COA is US$91,676 at Brown University. Brown has a stellar reputation from an educational standpoint and awards grants of nearly US$50,000 per year.

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16. Scripps College -

Tuition and fees are US$65,950 and the full COA is US$91,886 at Scripps College. The average need-based grant here is US$45,000 and those who graduate often leave with less debt than the national average.

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15. Wellesley College -

Tuition and fees are US$67,176 and the full COA is US$92,060 at Wellesley College. While there aren't merit-based scholarships awarded at Wellesley, those in need can receive about US$62,000 on average.

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14. Tufts University -

Tuition and fees are US$67,844 and the full COA is US$92,167 at Tufts University. Only about 40% of current undergraduate students receive need-based grants and they can range from US$1,000 to US$75,000.

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13. University of Pennsylvania -

Tuition and fees are US$68,686 and the full COA is US$92,288 at the University of Pennsylvania. Annual grants at Penn average US$66,000 and are worth it. The high fees seem to be worth it, as graduates from the University of Pennsylvania earn substantial salaries.

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12. Amherst College -

Tuition and fees are US$70,480 and the full COA is US$92,530 at Amherst College. Need-based students who apply and receive funding can expect grants of about US$68,000 per year.

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11. Georgetown University -

Tuition and fees are US$68,016 and the full COA is US$92,564 at Georgetown University. Over one-third of enrolled undergraduate students received need-based aid of around US$52,000 per year.

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10. Stanford University -

Tuition and fees are US$67,527 and the full COA is US$92,892 at Stanford University. Here you'll find need-based grants of around US$61,000. About 50% of students who qualify receive the grant.

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9. Wesleyan University -

Tuition and fees are US$70,342 and the full COA is US$92,994 at Wesleyan University. Some merit-based aid is received at Wesleyan University but it is predominately awarded to those in need. The average grant for those need-based individuals is US$60,000.

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8. Haverford College -

Tuition and fees are US$70,398 and the full COA is US$93,028 at Haverford College. Around 49% of students in need who apply receive the US$62,000 annual grant at Haverford.

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7. Harvey Mudd College -

Tuition and fees are US$68,613 and the full COA is US$93,131 at Harvey Mudd College. Here, you'll find a blend of merit and need-based awards being given out. In fact, about 70% of students here receive financial aid of some sort.

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6. New York University -

Tuition and fees are US$62,796 and the full COA is US$93,184 at New York University. Very few need-based and merit-based grants are awarded here. For those who are eligible, the grant is about US$43,000.

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5. University of Chicago -

Tuition and fees are US$69,324 and the full COA is US$93,633 at the University of Chicago. For students in need who qualify for financial aid, the grant at Chicago is on average US$51,000 per year.

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4. University of Miami -

Tuition and fees are US$62,622 and the full COA is US$93,666 at the University of Miami. To help attract top talent, the university awards a high number of students aid of about US$22,000. Additionally, need-based aid is given to over half of all students, with an average amount of US$36,000.

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3. Northwestern University -

Tuition and fees are US$68,332 and the full COA is US$94,878 at Northwestern University. While only 45% of undergraduates in need receive financial aid, the prestige you'll gain from attending Northwestern University will likely pay itself off following graduation.

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2. University of Southern California -

Tuition and fees are US$71,647 and the full COA is US$95,225 at the University of Southern California. About two-thirds of undergraduates receive financial aid at USC.

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1. Pepperdine University -

Tuition and fees are US$69,130 and the full COA is US$95,234 at Pepperdine University. Average need-based grants here are for US$43,000. Graduates of Pepperdine have about the average national debt.

Sources: (College Transitions) (U.S. News & World Report)

See also: Ways to boost your university or college application

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