College will cost up to $95,000 this fall. Schools say it’s OK, financial aid can numb sticker shock

MEREDITH, N.H. (AP) — As more than 2 million graduating high school students from across the United States finalize their decisions on what college to attend this fall, many are facing jaw-dropping costs that can be as much as $95,000. A number of private colleges — some considered elite and others middle-of-the-pack — have exceeded the $90,000 threshold for the first time this year as they set their annual costs for tuition, board, meals and other expenses. But the sticker price tells only part of the story. Many private colleges with large endowments are focusing more than ever on making tuition affordable to a range of students.