Degrees That Break The Bank Or Save You
It's easy to assume that the most expensive degrees are the best. But sometimes, it's more about where you study. However, it's also good to know that the estimated costs are steeper when you are a nonresident and that the total cost of attendance can vary beyond just the tuition fee. First, let's start by laying out the ones with the steepest costs before we get into the cheaper programs.
1. Harvey Mudd College: Engineering
Want to be an engineer? Harvey Mudd offers one of the best programs. While the estimated annual tuition fee of $72,699 as an undergraduate may leave a dent in your wallet, students get an 8:1 ratio in class sizes and access to Silicon Valley. The real benefit? Most graduates may land competitive jobs immediately.
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2. New York University: Performing Arts
NYU's Tisch School is a dream for future actors and performers, but that dream comes with a hefty price tag. Sure, New York is the epicenter of entertainment, but living and studying with a $68,978 tuition fee every year as an undergrad can be tough. Still, the connections and opportunities are unmatched.
3. Columbia University: Architecture
Columbia's architecture program offers world-class training, but it's one of the priciest in the nation. You're paying $67,680 for a 9-month academic year as a student in their graduate programs. It provides access to expert professors and internship opportunities in NYC's architectural firms.
4. Sarah Lawrence College: Liberal Arts
For a cozy liberal arts education with its unique focus on one-on-one faculty guidance, Sarah Lawrence is ideal. Undergraduate students here benefit from the "conference system," which allows students to design projects with faculty mentors. All that attention comes with a premium tuition fee of $69,608 annually.
5. Drexel University: Co-Op Programs
Drexel's co-op undergraduate programs provide real-world work experience while studying. But here's the catch: you're paying full tuition even while you're working full-time. It's a big investment of $64,212. The payoff? A co-op model that increases average starting salaries for graduates by 15%-20% compared to non-co-op peers.
6. Boston University: Health Sciences
Health sciences at Boston University means studying in one of the country's top medical hubs, but you also pay an estimated $91,342 as a cost of attendance. Undergrads here benefit from clinical exposure and access to the latest research. But those perks come at a hefty price.
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7. University Of Pennsylvania: Oral Medicine
Dental school is tough anywhere, but studying at UPenn's well-known dental school is tough on the bank balance. The graduates have near-100% placement rates in dental practices or residencies. Of course, this high-caliber graduate program costs around $108,360, which will have you budgeting for years.
8. Parsons The New School For Design School Of Fashion: Fashion Design
It is THE fashion school. Parsons offers access to NYC's Fashion Week and internships with top designers. That access doesn't come cheap. Students pay $57,978 in tuition fees for a BFA every year for that privilege. Graduates? Well, they often land dream jobs straight out of school.
9. The Juilliard School: Drama
Think Juilliard is just for the elite? You're right, and that means the price tag is high. NYC's theater scene provides performance opportunities for Juilliard graduates. The cost? The annual fee of $55,500 for both undergraduate and graduate programs might be worth it for some.
10. Cornell University: Master Of Management In Hospitality
Students of the Hotel Administration program here receive global internships and partnerships with brands like Marriott and Hilton. But be prepared to pay $34,190 yearly, one of the more expensive graduate degrees. If you dream of managing a luxury resort, this is the path.
Now, let's explore the degrees that prove cheap doesn't mean less.
1. Brigham Young University: Business
BYU offers undergraduate programs at $10,032 or even less for Latter-day Saint Students with impressive industry connections. The school's business graduates are highly sought after by employers, with a 90% placement rate within three months of graduation.
2. University Of Florida: Engineering
If you are an in-state student, the University of Florida's tuition fee of $6,380 won't leave you buried in debt. Gainesville's vibrant tech scene offers co-op and internship programs with Florida-based tech firms.
3. California State University, Long Beach: Nursing Program
Nursing at CSU Long Beach is a cost-effective option for California students at $8,094. The undergraduate program offers diverse clinical rotations and has a 95% NCLEX pass rate. Plus, the location makes it perfect for anyone wanting to work in a large healthcare system after graduation.
4. Minot State University: Psychology
Undergraduate Psychology degrees don't have to come with a hefty price tag. Minot State provides an affordable yet comprehensive education at around $8,700.48, where small class sizes mean more personal attention. About 80% of students here receive financial aid.
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5. Alcorn State University: Agriculture
If you are a commuting student interested in agriculture, Alcorn State's affordable undergraduate programs are offered at $7,290 per year. With only minor additional charges, they focus on sustainable farming practices, which include research farm work and partnerships with Mississippi's farming industry.
6. South Texas College: Information Technology
Information technology studies at South Texas College make it easy to start in the field without incurring massive student debt. The undergraduate IT program, primarily at the associate level, costs $4,000–5,000 annually for in-state students, including certifications like CompTIA and Cisco.
7. University Of Wyoming: Petroleum Engineering
Petroleum engineering often carries high tuition costs, but UW keeps it affordable at around $6,074 a year for resident students. UW's petroleum engineering program has a 90% placement rate in the energy sector. Wyoming's vast natural resources also mean great opportunities for internships and fieldwork.
8. Berea College: Computer Science
Located in Kentucky, Berea doesn't charge tuition. Yes, really. Every admitted student receives a tuition scholarship worth over $50,900 a year. Their computer science bachelor's degree offers solid preparation for tech careers. Berea's work-study program requires 10-15 hours per week, offsetting other costs.
9. Western Carolina University: Emergency Medical Care
Emergency medical care is a field that can't be learned just from books. Western Carolina makes it an affordable in-state undergrad option at around $7,000 annually for future paramedics. Students graduate ready to face real-world emergencies.
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10. New Mexico Tech: Physics
Physics at NMT is a smart choice for students who prefer science and technology. The bachelor's degree program is known for its low annual tuition of around $9,400 and high-quality research opportunities in fields like energy and materials science.
