Columbia University, located in New York City, costs roughly $54,385 annually when you factor in its tuition, fees and room and board. Columbia's tuition alone, $41,160, is among the highest in the nation. As if that weren't enough, incoming freshmen must pay an additional $2,655 in fees, room and board is another $10,572, and it's also necessary to factor in the high cost of living in New York City. Fortunately, about half of all Columbia students receive grants to help with their education costs.
Wesleyan University, located in Middletown, Connecticut along the Connecticut River, has an annual cost of $53,976. This cost includes tuition and fees totaling $42,384 and room and board costing $11,592. Wesleyan University does offer financial aid packages for students ranging between $3,500 to $54,600.
The University of Chicago is known for its high level of academic excellence. Along with that excellence comes a huge expense. Estimated tuition for students living on campus is $56,604. Tuition and fees account for $41,091 of that total, room and board comprises $12,513, and $2,220 is for university-provided health coverage.
Georgetown University, one of the priciest universities in Washington, D.C., only narrowly beats its neighboring rival George Washington University. Tuition and fees are $40,378, including $335 for access to the school's Yates Field House athletic facility, and $12,962 for room and board. The combined total for a year at Georgetown is $53,340. The university does offer scholarships based on financial need.