As the excitement of another college football season washes over us we became curious about the price tag associated with the top schools in America. So we took the pre-season top 10 ranked teams and used CNN Money’s nifty “how much will that college really cost?” tool to get an idea.
The following numbers factor in tuition, fees, room/board, and in-state tuition, while excluding grants and scholarships. We included the additional out-of-state tuition expense (when applicable), which ups the cost dramatically. We also threw in the team mascots to help soften the sticker shock.
For parents with young children, now might be a good time to make sure you have that 529 Plan in place.
1. THE Ohio State University (Buckeyes)
Mascot: Brutus
Total annual cost: $24,322
Out-of-state: +$16,000
[Photo Source: Shutterstock]
2. TCU: Texas Christian University (Horned Frogs)
Mascot: Super Frog
Total annual cost: $53,813
[Photo Source: CollegeVisits.org]
3. University of Alabama (Crimson Tide)
Mascot: Big Al
Total annual cost: $23,127
Out-of-state: +$15,000
[Photo Source: Wiki Commons]
4. Baylor University (Bears)
Mascot: Bruiser
Total annual cost: $54,162
[Photo Source: Imgur]
5. University of Michigan (Wolverines)
Mascot: In lieu of a cute fuzzy costume, we suggest Michigan adopt Hugh Jackman, who plays Wolverine in the X-Men movies, as their new mascot.
Total annual cost: $29,017
Out of state: +$30,000
[Photo Source: 20th Century Fox]
6. Auburn University (Tigers)
Mascot: Aubie the Tiger
Total annual cost: $26,813
Out-of-state: +$17,000
[Photo Source: Wiki Commons]
7. University of Oregon (Ducks)
Mascot: The Oregon Duck
Total annual cost: $25,795
Out-of-state: +$20,000
[Photo Source: Wiki Commons]
8. University of Southern California (Trojans)
Mascot: Traveler (Note: Traveler is the white horse; the person riding Traveler is an unnamed Trojan warrior. Let’s call him Kevin. Hey Kev, sweet ride!)
Total annual cost: $65,447
[Photo Source: CampusPressBox.com]
9. University of Georgia (Bulldogs)
Furry Mascot: Hairy Dawg
Most Adorable Mascot Ever: Uga
Total annual cost: $24,517
Out-of-state: +$18,000
[Source: Wiki Commons; Tumblr]
10. Florida State University (Seminoles)
Mascot(s): Chief Osceola and Renegade
Total annual cost: $18,542
Out-of-state: +$15,000
[Photo Source: Shutterstock]
