Here are world’s 10 most overpriced ranked universities

For every international student there is a great need to know the financial implications, cost of living in such a community, and job opportunities and the concomitant salary accruable to students studying in such an institution before applying to avoid regrets.

According to a new analysis by Edumentors on the world’s top universities about the cost of elite education and its impact on graduate success, some institutions are overpriced compared to the returns from studying in such universities.

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The study examines data from prestigious universities across the globe. Researchers evaluated the tuition and living costs to employment rates and starting salaries, painting a clearer picture of what students truly pay for and what they receive in return.

Here are the list of 10 most overpriced ranked universities;

University College London (UCL)

The University College London tops the list as the most overpriced university, with an overall study cost of $71,913, and a modest median graduate salary of $37,300.

The university is ranked nine in the world, with an average tuition fee of $50,913, cost of living at $21,000.

Despite its high global ranking, only 70.3 percent of graduates secure jobs after graduation, making the return on investment less attractive.

Northwestern University

Northwestern University’s price tag is among the highest, with an average total study cost reaching $115,719.

The university is ranked 50 in the world with an average tuition fee of $89,544, cost of living is at $26,175.

While an impressive 96.8 percent of its graduates find jobs, the median starting salary of $61,100 still falls short of justifying such high tuition costs.

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University of Oxford

The University of Oxford in the United Kingdom is ranked third in the world. The average tuition fee is $49,000, while the cost of living is $21,381.

Despite its prestigious reputation and 100 percent employment rate, Oxford ranks among the most overpriced due to a total study cost of $70,381 and a starting salary of just $37,400.

The cost-to-salary ratio suggests that students may not see immediate financial returns on their investment.

Imperial College London

The Imperial College London has its tuition at $75,670, while the median graduate salary is $41,800. The 93.4 percent employment rate is impressive, but the cost remains difficult to justify.

The university is ranked second in the world in 2025 and has an average tuition fee of $49,670, with cost of living at $26,000.

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Columbia University

Columbia University is ranked 34 in the world with tuition fees reaching $68,000. The university’s cost of living is at $29,003

The institution has one of the highest overall costs at $97,003. While 99.9 percent of graduates find employment, the starting salary of $55,190 makes it a less-than-ideal financial decision for students seeking strong returns.

KTH Royal Institute of Technology

Sweden’s KTH Royal Institute of Technology ranks sixth, highlighting its financial inefficiency for students.

With an overall cost of $47,700 and a median starting salary of just $28,000, graduates face a 1.70 cost-to-earnings ratio.

Additionally, only 62.4 percent of graduates secure employment, raising further concerns about the return on investment.

University of Cambridge

University of Cambridge, despite its prestigious 100 percent employment rate, costs $62,400 and a modest starting salary of $37,300. While the historic institution’s centuries-old tradition of academic excellence continues to attract top talent from around the globe, the initial post-graduation earnings might require graduates to plan their financial future.

The university is ranked fifth in the world in 2025, and it has a cost of living rate at $18,500.

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Cornell University

Cornell University is ranked 16 in the world with an average tuition fee of $68,380 and cost of living at $23,770.

Studying at Cornell University overall cost is at $92,150 while offering graduates a starting salary of $55,813. Though 97.1 percent of graduates secure employment, the high investment required for attendance places a significant financial burden on students.

Qatar University

Qatar University ranks 122 in the world and stands out for its relatively lower total cost of $25,100 but delivers a concerning return with starting salaries of just $16,000. Even with a 98.6 percent employment rate.

University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

UC Berkeley requires $73,828 in total costs, offering graduates a median starting salary of $47,473.

The university ranks 12 in the world with an average tuition fee of $50,328 and cost of living at $23,500.

While its 98.4 percent employment rate is impressive, the studying cost relative to initial earnings positions it among the less financially efficient choices.