Six-figure tuition, dubious value: 15 colleges exceed $100k per year

Fifteen U.S. colleges now charge more than $100,000 a year, up from just a couple last year, pushing four-year costs toward $500,000. Yet Wall Street Journal ROI analyses show many of these schools offer weak returns, and need-based aid can cut the price dramatically (often 60–75%). With about half of students receiving need-based aid, many families still face steep prices, and experts say there are numerous affordable, high-value options beyond these pricey institutions.