Private colleges and universities are known for their high quality teaching and deluxe facilities, as well as expensive tuition fees.

U.S. News has released its latest ranking of the most expensive private colleges and universities in the country. Columbia University in New York tops the list, charging each student as much as US$49,138 in tuition and fees for the school year 2013-2014. It is followed by Vassar College in New York and Trinity College in Connecticut, costing US$47,890 and US$47,510 respectively.

The ranking compiled tuition fees and other fees at 1,110 private colleges and universities in the U.S., ranging from US$1,070 to nearly US$50,000 per year, and costing about US$30,500 in average. The south of the U.S. is home to many of the lowest-priced private colleges, and the northeast is where the most expensive ones are located.

Financial aid packages, including grants and scholarships, are not factored in, as well as extra costs such as accommodation, books or personal expenses.

The following are the top 10 most expensive private colleges and universities in the U.S. for the academic year 2013-2014.

 Union College (NY)

Union College [File photo]

2013-2014 tuition and fees: US$46,785

U.S. News rank: 41

Category: National Liberal Arts Colleges