For me the surprise on the list was Carleton. It’s so much more expensive than St. Olaf. Not only does St. Olaf start off less expensive, they also offer merit aid. And they do all this while also meeting full need just like Carleton.
Why should Carleton be so much more expensive than St. Olaf? They are both located in the same rural MN town (so not a particularly expensive place to do business compared to some of the East and West coast schools on this list.) Actually St. Olaf’s campus, dorms and especially food are better than Carleton’s. Both offer good STEM (more expensive than humanities.) Both have small classes, excellent professors and classroom experience.
What gives? I guess it must be because Carleton is finding families that will pay it.