Harvey Mudd College in Claremont

It does not include financial aid, and it's important to note that the sticker price of a college degree is often not what it actually costs to attend. In fact, many of America's most expensive schools are generous with financial aid. Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, Calif., costs about $53,600 to attend annually. But 80% of all students receive aid and 30% receive merit awards. Wesleyan University in Middletown, Conn., runs nearly $54,000 per year. The school, which this year has awarded aid packages ranging from $3,500 to $54,600 boasts on its Web site that it "meets the full demonstrated need of those who enroll." Bard College even offers a program that allows eligible students to pay tuition at a rate comparable to a public university in their home states.