University of Chicago

.But large, well-known universities also rank among the country's priciest schools. For example, at Columbia University--the most expensive Ivy League university--tuition and fees alone cost $43,815. Add another $10,572 for room and board, not to mention the high cost of living in New York City. The University of Chicago estimates that a year's study will cost $56,640. That includes books and personal expenses, but not health insurance ($2,220), which students must purchase if they don't already have it. In compiling our list of most expensive colleges and universities, we referenced data and surveys published by a variety of sources, including the Chronicle of Higher Education (which uses figures collected by the College Board) and Campus Grotto.