Yonkers, NYAnnual Total Cost: $60,116Annual Tuition: $45,212The small liberal arts school 15 miles from Manhattan boasts personal attention, with a low student-to-teacher ratio of 9:1 for its 1,300 undergrads.

Chicago, ILAnnual Total Cost: $59,950Annual Tuition: $43,780Founded in 1890, the research university known for its work in economics enrolls a relatively small number of undergrads (5,100), about half its grad student population.

New York, NYAnnual Total Cost: $59,208Annual Tuition: $45,290When it’s the Ivy League and New York City, it’ll cost a lot. Undergrads are assured on-campus housing for all four years.

St. Louis, MOAnnual Total Cost: $58,901Annual Tuition: $41,992Fund raising under Chancellor Mark Wrighton, who came over from MIT in 1995, has added students, professors and research, continuing the school’s push from regional to national appeal.

New York, NYAnnual Total Cost: $58,858Annual Tuition: $41,606Big growth in facilities and a $2.8 billion endowment have transformed NYU from a decent commuter school into an elite institution over the past couple of decades. Tuition is reasonable compared to other places, but living in New York costs a lot.

Evanston, ILAnnual Total Cost: $58,829Annual Tuition: $41,893The Big 10 school sits on 240 acres in suburban Chicago, right by Lake Michigan. Northwestern’s endowment of over $7 billion stands as one of the ten highest in the country.

Bronx, NYAnnual Total Cost: $58,732Annual Tuition: $40,292Like its Big Apple neighbor, NYU, room and board expenses of $15,000 annually rank among the highest in the country. And for an undergrad, good luck coming up with the cash for a game down the road at the new Yankee Stadium.

Hanover, NHAnnual Total Cost: $58,638Annual Tuition:$42,996Despite being the inspiration for “Animal House,” books and supplies run you $1,850 a year, much more than most other top schools.