What college tuition consists of

The most expensive university in the US is Columbia University in New York City. It costs $86,257 a year. Northwestern University is at $78,654, and Barnard College costs $78,044.

Tuition fees include faculty salaries, institutional support, research, student services, campus maintenance etc. It is not part of room and board and other fees. Students considering attending a particular school should look at the net-price calculator on the institution's website.