12 Boarding Schools Where Tuition Costs More Than Your Mortgage

Think your mortgage is steep? Wait until you see what some parents pay to send their kids to school. This article lists boarding schools that come with Olympic-sized perks, castle-like campuses, and tuition fees that'll make your jaw do a double take. We're talking eye-watering price tags paired with elite reputations!

Institut auf dem Rosenberg – St. Gallen, Switzerland

Institut auf dem Rosenberg offers an avant-garde curriculum that combines traditional academics with innovative programs, which has earned it the nickname "School of the Future." For their annual fees, which are around $175K, students receive education plans, state-of-the-art facilities, and a campus that resembles a modern art museum.

Institut Le Rosey – Rolle and Gstaad, Switzerland

Le Rosey has educated royalty and elite families since 1880 and has been named the "School of Kings." The tuition fees range from approximately $113K to $122K per year. Students split their time between two stunning campuses: a lakeside château in Rolle and a winter campus in Gstaad.

Collège Alpin International Beau Soleil – Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland

Collège Alpin International Beau Soleil offers tons of experience. Its estimated fee of $165K makes it among the priciest schools globally. In return for that hefty sum, students receive a holistic education that centers around adventure, personal growth, and academic excellence. They also get to engage in activities from skiing to global humanitarian projects.

Aiglon College – Chesières-Villars, Switzerland

At Aiglon College, education reaches new heights as charges pile at around $135K annually. However, it's not just about the stunning vistas. Aiglon has rigorous academics and a strong emphasis on outdoor education. Students take on expeditions that challenge the mind and body.

TASIS The American School in Switzerland – Montagnola, Switzerland

TASIS’s American educational philosophy and European cultural heritage come at a hefty price, approximately $105K. While tuition and boarding fees are significant, students benefit from a rich arts program, multiple language offerings, and a campus steeped in history. It's where Shakespeare meets gelato, and students graduate with a worldly perspective that's hard to match.

Geelong Grammar School – Corio, Australia

Geelong Grammar School is renowned for its Timbertop campus where Year 9 students trade classrooms for the Australian bush by engaging in a unique outdoor education program that fosters independence and resilience. It's an experience that shapes character, with students returning to the main campus ready to tackle academic challenges with newfound grit.

The Lawrenceville School – Lawrenceville, New Jersey, USA

The Lawrenceville School offers more than ivy-covered buildings at a price of $79K per year. Its distinctive house system and the Harkness teaching method promote discussion-based learning, and ensure that students actively participate in their education. Lawrenceville also provides top-tier facilities and a close-knit community atmosphere.

Cate School – Carpinteria, California, USA

Cate School charges around $75K annually. The institution balances rigorous academics and a commitment to environmental stewardship. Students might discuss literature in the morning and surf in the afternoon; it’s all part of the school's philosophy of working hard, playing hard, and respecting the world around them.

The Webb Schools – Claremont, California, USA

These institutions charge around $77K annually. Beyond the price tag, Webb is home to the Alf Museum of Paleontology—the only accredited museum of its kind on a high school campus. Students have the unique opportunity to study both rigorous academics and actual fossil excavations.

San Domenico School – San Anselmo, California, USA

Coming in at around $83K, San Domenico is California's oldest independent school and a place where tradition and innovation harmoniously coexist. They offer a comprehensive education integrating academics, arts, and athletics within a values-based framework. The goal is for the students to be encouraged to explore their passions deeply.

The Athenian School – Danville, California, USA

The Athenian School, with an annual fee of $87,760, takes experiential learning to new heights. Their curriculum includes a mandatory international service project and a focus on global citizenship. The school's emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, and character development ensures that graduates are academically proficient and socially responsible.

Woodside Priory School – Portola Valley, California, USA

As one of the most expensive boarding schools in the U.S., Woodside Priory's combined tuition and boarding fees are increasing. This coeducational Catholic institution offers a student-centered approach that emphasizes the development of both mind and spirit. The small class sizes and a close-knit community ensure students receive personalized attention.

Phillips Academy Andover – Andover, Massachusetts, USA

Phillips Academy Andover is among the most prestigious and oldest boarding schools in the United States. For the 2024–25 academic year, the school charges boarding students $73,780. Despite these significant fees, Andover maintains a need-blind admission policy, with 47% of students receiving financial aid.

Eton College – Windsor, Berkshire, UK

Eton College is one of the most renowned all-boys boarding schools globally. The annual tuition fee is approximately $62K. Eton is celebrated for its rich traditions, rigorous academic programs, and a distinguished alumni network that includes numerous British prime ministers and royal family members.

Harrow School – Harrow, London, UK

Harrow School is an all-boys boarding institution with a storied history of academic excellence. The annual tuition fee is around $61,509. Harrow offers a comprehensive education that balances academics, arts, and sports. Notable alumni include Winston Churchill and several other prominent figures.