Tuition soars as USC becomes most expensive school

University of Southern California now tops as the most expensive school to attend in America beating out Ivy League schools like Harvard. ( afrikantraveler/ Creative Commons)

University of Southern California’s tuition for the 2016-2017 school year is $51,442 surpassing Harvard as the most expensive school in America to attend. Students end up averaging out nearly $70,000 once housing costs and other fees are factored in.

“We’re competing with the Stanford’s and the Ivy League schools of the world, and when you’re competing for best faculty in the world, that’s expensive,” USC Provost Michael Quick said in comments reported by The Times. “As we build infrastructure, that’s expensive.”

Vassar College in New York previously held honor for most expensive school year by charging $51,300 in tuition and fees and Harvard charging undergraduates $45,278.

“Yes, tuition costs have been increasing dramatically,” said Saddleback Counselor David Francisco. “At the same time, availability of financial aid has increased as well. State and Federal financial aid is based upon student need, including tuition costs, so there is generally more money available at private schools where tuition is higher.”

California college tuitions are now averaging about $5,472 for California residents and $14,400 for non-residents. Saddleback College’s current tuition is approximately $5,460 with every unit costing $46.

“I tell students that they should apply to private schools but always have more financially manageable backup school options in case financial aid does not cover enough of the costs at the more expensive private schools,” Francisco said. “At the same time, I also encourage students to be wise by avoiding crippling student debt. Living at home and transferring local can be a great way to save tens of thousands of dollars in housing and living expenses.”

When attending college in America many colleges present fees in their own ways. Some offer one total price, some pair tuition and fees together and some list every charge individually. Applying for financial aid through FASFA helps many college students receive help paying for college if they qualify.

“I don’t generally advise students away from private schools due to costs because there is frequently more aid available at private schools,” Francisco said. “The key is students should always apply for FAFSA even if they think they don’t qualify. Like Forrest Gump said, “You never know what you’re going to get.””

FASFA, a part of the U.S. Department of Education, is the largest provider of student financial aid in the nation and responsible for managing the student financial assistance programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965.

Basic eligibility criteria includes demonstrating financial need, proving U.S. citizenship, having a valid social security number and being enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program.

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