Out of curiosity to see how the rankings would change, we took our list of 100 most expensive colleges and found the average need-based grant given at each school as listed on the College Board website.

The average need-based grant given by each school is listed below, from largest to smallest. As expected, schools that are known to provide great financial assistance (Harvard, Yale, etc.) are listed toward the top, with Harvard taking the top spot.

Next, we will be applying this grant data to the total cost of each school in an effort to find the net price roughly paid for need-based students. We will then re-rank this new list and highlight any major changes between the two rankings (sticker price vs. net price).

According to the College Board:
For the 2011-2012 school year, full-time undergraduates received an estimated average of about $5,750 in grant aid from all sources and federal tax benefits at public four-year institutions. The average grant aid given at private nonprofit four-year institutions was $15,530.

Highest Average Need-Based Grant

Being one of the most prestigious universities in the world, Harvard gets a lot of visitors. This became apparent last Sunday aboard a standing-room-only bus to Harvard Square. Immediately a conversation struck up between two visitors to the US. The tourists, who didn't know each other, shared their enthusiasm about getting to visit the Harvard campus for the first time.

Or so they thought.

Little did they know, they would soon be let down.

Harvard University has closed its gates to outsiders at the disappointment of many tourists and prospective students hoping to visit the campus. On a recent trip to the college we witnessed several hundred visitors, alumni, families, and prospective students turned away.

Gate entrances were either closed and chained shut or were guarded by hired security and Harvard Police ensuring only Harvard students were allowed access to the yard. Only current students and staff were allowed through the gates upon showing their Harvard ID.

We all knew Harvard was hard to get into, but to even step foot in Harvard Yard? Harvard has been denying access to visitors since November 9th in response to the supposed protest going on.

All because of this "protest":

On Wednesday night, November 9th, the university shut down access to Harvard Yard because of the supposed danger several hundred demonstrators posed as part of the Occupy Colleges movement. Students, who had gathered outside the Harvard Law School that night, planned to march into the historic quad.

Harvard executive vice president Katie Lapp and University provost Alan Garber said that even though the administration respects the right of community members to protest, the lockdown would continue as long as the student occupation remains.

Many students and teachers alike have opposed the closing of the gates. “I think it’s absurd. Do we really need eight guards per gate?” questioned Nicandro Iannacci, Class of 2013.

Some Harvard Professors find the lockdown a bit over the top. "It seems to me an overreaction to have closed the Yard to outsiders" says Duncan Kennedy, a professor at the Law School.

I am sure visitors denied access feel the same way:

Over the weekend, Occupy Harvard released a statement on their website condemning the heightened security in the Yard. “The ongoing ID checks and partial gate closures are as unnecessary as they are inconvenient,” the statement read. “Furthermore, the decision to only grant entry to Harvard ID holders has reinforced the institutional exclusivity and elitism that Occupy Harvard seeks to change.”

On Monday, November 21, the protesters announced the success of a petition signed by 110 Harvard professors that condemns the administration locking down Harvard Yard in response to students setting up tents in front of the John Harvard statue.

After witnessing the disappointment of many tourists and prospective students who had traveled great distances to visit the campus only to be turned away, we hope the Harvard administration opens its gates immediately to the public.

CG Tip:
Unbeknownst to most visitors, if you really need to get on the Harvard campus you can put in a request ahead of time with the Campus Service Center who may or may not grant you access.

While rising tuition numbers get all the rage, room and board costs at some colleges are so high they surpass the tuition prices of many public universities. Students at the popular UCLA campus pay just under $13K in resident tuition. Meanwhile, students at private universities in New York are paying thousands more just for their college housing. With prices this high, it's clear room and board is a big (and often underlooked) cost of going to college.

Is the cost worth it?

While students living in high-rise dorms in New York may enjoy the views, city life, and amenities they have access to now, most will spend years paying off the loans needed to pay for the luxury and will never again have the privilege to live with such a view.

The most expensive college housing is found at The New School in New York where freshmen who live in the 13th Street Residence, a traditional corridor-style dorm, pay $18,080 with mandatory meal plan. When you consider dorm residents move out in the middle of May, and aren’t allowed to stay over winter break, the cost per day for cramped rooms comes out to be a pretty penny.

The priciest dorms are found in (not surprisingly) the urban areas of New York, Boston, and the California coast. With the exception of the UC schools, all of the colleges on this list are private, with eight of the top 10 being located in the New York area. Only four of the top 20 are located outside the states of California and New York: two in the Boston area (Suffolk University and Olin College), one in Washington D.C. (American University), and one (unexpectedly) in Nashville, Tennessee (Vanderbilt University).

For the first time, the average room and board at private colleges has eclipsed the $10K mark. For the 2011-2012 school year, room and board prices increased 4.0% at public and 3.9% at private colleges with average costs of $8,887 and $10,089, respectively.

Most Expensive College Dorms for 2011-2012

These are prices a typical freshman will pay for room and board for the 2011-2012 school year. Prices are based on a double room with meal plan.

1. The New School - New York, NY

At the 13th Street Residence, a traditional freshman dorm, a double room and required meal plan will run you $18,080. Want to live in a single? Be prepared to pay $21,220.

2. New York University - New York, NY

Home to one of the largest university housing systems in the US, 21 buildings comprise NYU's undergraduate housing system, with many residence halls being converted apartment complexes or old hotels. Third Avenue North is the largest all-freshman residence hall at NYU, housing over 950 students.

3. Fordham University - Lincoln Center - New York, NY

Resident students live in McMahon Hall, a 20-story residence building that houses over 740 Undergraduate and 140 Law students. The residence hall adjoins the world-renowned Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and is just minutes from Central Park. The building is equipped with multiple study lounges, a social lounge, tennis and basketball courts and a fitness center. A controversial expansion project is in the works that will bring more dorm units to the college.

4. Fordham University - Rose Hill - New York, NY

Situated on 85 acres in North Bronx, the Rose Hill campus is among the largest privately owned green spaces in New York City. The Collegiate Gothic architecture, expansive lawns, ivy-covered buildings, and cobblestone streets make it one of the most beautiful campus settings in the nation. There are 10 residence halls on campus, including four residential colleges and six Integrated Learning Communities for such disciplines as science, business, and leadership.

5. St John's University (Queens) - New York, NY

St John's has some of the newest and most modern student residence halls on the East Coast. Each Hall Council receives funds to provide students with free or discounted tickets to major NYC events, such as Yankee games, museums and Broadway shows.

6. Suffolk University - Boston, MA

The majority of incoming students get assigned to the Suffolk University Residence Hall at 150 Tremont Street. Students residing in the newer Miller Hall, another popular dorm for freshmen, enjoy magnificent views of Boston.

150 Tremont Street Dorm at Suffolk University.

7. Manhattanville College - Purchase, NY

Generally occupied by first-year students, Spellman is the largest of Manhattanville's four residence halls with 211 rooms and 434 students. The building is co-ed by room, meaning that female students might live next door to male students.

8. Pace University - New York, NY

The majority of incoming students in a standard double are placed in Maria's Tower at One Pace Plaza. Located in the same building where Pace students take most of their classes, dorm rooms are on floors 5-17, making it just a short elevator ride away from classes, the library, and the cafeteria. Theme floor options include film, wellness, green, honors, and world cultures. A typical student here can expect to pay $14,230 for room and board.

Freshmen who live in a double at the John Street Residence, where rooms come equipped with a flatscreen TV and private bath, pay $16,700 with the bronze meal plan (the minimum required meal plan for freshmen). Pair a double room at the John Street Residence with a platinum meal plan and you'll be looking at room and board costs of $17,790.

9. University of California - Berkeley - Berkeley, CA

At Cal there are many housing environments to choose from: traditional high-rise residence halls, suites, and theme programs with each having its own unique style and amenities. Students living in the residence halls have access to academic services centers, live-in health workers, computing centers, security monitoring programs, tutoring, and advising. Out of all the living options at Cal, the Unit 1 and Unit 2 complex hold the most freshmen (over 1400+ each).

10. Marymount Manhattan College - New York, NY

Marymount Manhattan College's 55th Street Residence Hall is one of the tallest college dorms in America. Student rooms are in the first 32 stories of a 46-story skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan, offering great views of NYC. The dorm has seven themed floors: Academic Achievement, Early Risers, Green, Leadership, Creative and Performing Arts, Vegetarian, and Substance Free.

55th Street Residence: Dorms are floors 1-32.
The top stories are private luxury apartments.

The Top 20

Dressing up and going out for Halloween this year? If you don’t have a costume yet, you’re running out of time. BuyCostumes.com has some last second costume deals going on for you last minute shoppers.

Use the following coupon code to score deals at BuyCostumes.com.

10 Last Minute Halloween Costume Ideas

Mrs. Oktoberfest / Bavarian Girl

A cute costume that can also be paired with a Bavarian Guy costume if going as a couple.

Sexy Gretchen Adult This Adult costume includes dress,and thigh high stockings.100% Polyester. Hand wash. Shoes not included.

Bavarian Guy Adult Costume Includes: Lederhosen,Shirt,Hat,Socks. Does not include beer stein or shoes.

Holly Golightly

Pull off the classy and sexy style of Audrey Hepburn; a costume that isn't too revealing, but will still be a hit with the boys.

Holly Golightly - Breakfast At Tiffany's Adult Costume Includes dress,tiara and necklace. Does not include wig,gloves,shoes or cigarette holder.

Stewardess

The classic stewardess look is a symbol of what flying used to be like when it was enjoyable, a time before we got ran through x-ray machines, were forced to remove our shoes, and could get on a plane with nail clippers and 4oz of hair gel. Should be a hit with the new TV show Pan Am now playing and it's one of those costumes that can be flirty, yet respectable.

Stewardess Adult Costume Costume includes: Shirt,mini skirt,wedge hat and neck scarf. Available in sizes: Small & Medium. Gloves and shoes not included.

Princess Leia

You see all the attention females get when getting in costume at Comic-Con, now you can fulfill any nerds fantasy. The costume also works well when paired with costumes of other Star Wars characters.

Star Wars Sexy Princess Leia Adult Costume Includes: Dress,belt and wig. Toy weapon and boots not included. This is an officially licensed Star Wars costume.

Beer Keg / Keg Cup

The beer keg is typically the center of attention at parties, so with this costume you should do well. If you’re looking for a group costume, the keg cup makes for a good combo as you and your friends can get together to form a beer pong rack.

Beer Keg Adult Costume Includes a silver foam keg and tapper helmet with attached pump. Keg helmet holds 400 milliliter of actual liquid. Available in One Size Fits Most Adults. Black shirt,pants and shoes not included.

Beer Pong Cup Adult Costume Includes giant red cup tunic and inflatable oversized ping pong ball. Does not include undershirt,pants or shoes.

The Joker

If you want to go all out and paint your face...this is your costume.

Batman Dark Knight The Joker Grand Heritage Collection Includes: Jacket,pants,vest,shirt,gloves,tie,wig and makeup kit. Shoes not included. This is an officially licensed product from the movie Batman The Dark Knight ™ .

Ace and Gary from SNL

Have two friends that just seem inseparable? Suggest this costume to them that is sure to get a good laugh whether or not you have seen the skit on Saturday Night Live.

Saturday Night Live Ace & Gary - Ace Adult Costume Both the Ace and Gary costumes include shirt,pants,briefs,belt,mask,gloves and socks.

Pee-Wee Herman

If you can pull of his laugh, even better. A truly vintage and underrated costume.

Pee-Wee Herman Adult Costume Includes jacket,pants,shirt front,and bow tie. Does not include shoes. This is an officially licensed Pee-Wee Herman product.

Where’s Waldo

The Waldo outfit is a good costume for football games because you'll be in a crowd (fitting for this costume), it'll keep you somewhat warm and comfortable, and it won't block the view of the person behind you.

Where's Waldo Plus Adult Costume Includes shirt,hat,and glasses. Does not include pants. This is an officially licensed Where's Waldo product.

Keith Stone

You probably have to have a certain look to pull this off (must be smooth) but you could almost put together this costume yourself and spend less than $10.

Of course there are many other costume options for both guys and girls, with some female versions being so revealing they probably shouldn’t be posted on this blog.

At the request of our readers we’ve created a CampusGrotto fan page on facebook. If you’re on facebook, please head on over and give us a quick like.

This week CampusGrotto.com enters into its 6th year of existence. We want to send out a big thanks to all of our readers and over 5 million visitors we've had over the years. We love our readers, so please show us a little love and 'like' us on our new facebook page.

Or just do it here:

If you act quick enough, you can be one of the first 100 fans. While we currently don’t have any cool prizes to give away to the first 100, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you were one of the first 100 in (and we’ll hold it dearly in our hearts).

Student Protest in Solidarity with Occupy Wall Street
When: Thursday 10/13/2011 4:30 EST

Thursday could see the biggest student protest on US soil since 1970.

Occupy Colleges has announced their next plan of action. A national student day of protest has been set for Thursday, October 13, as part of a nationwide walkout and student solidarity protest in support of Occupy Wall Street. Students at over 100 colleges are planning on participating.

Some are taking action sooner. Student protesters at UMASS have intentions of occupying a building on campus as we speak (at time of publishing: 2pm EST on Wednesday).

Similar events have been taking place over the last week. On Monday, students from multiple colleges in Boston gathered in the Boston Common for a protest and march to join the Occupy Boston camp in Dewey Square.

Photos from the protest at Occupy Boston:

The movement continues to grow as more students join in the cause. These initial protests look to be a “beginning, not an end,” according to Angus Johnston of Student Activism.

Not since the student strike of 1970 have so many students from so many colleges come together to protest in unity.

Occupy Colleges – How it started

Students staged a campus walkout in support of Occupy Wall Street on October 5th. Students from 100+ college campuses nationwide walked out of class in a show of solidarity and support for the movement.

Why Occupy Colleges?

As one student from Northeastern University put it:
“We pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to an education industry that continues to mimic the irresponsible, unaccountable, and unethical financial practices of Wall Street. University presidents make $500,000 or more for doing so, campus workers are paid poverty wages and students graduate with outrageous amounts of student debt, in a hostile economic climate, with few job opportunities.”

A big reason for the protest: the rising cost of higher education. Schools that were once considered affordable, like UCLA and Cal Berkeley, are now nearly making the top 100 list of most expensive colleges. Add to that the frustration over the economic downturn (lack of jobs), rising student loan debt and the fact that the big banks were bailed out where the majority feel the government was looking out for bankers rather than taxpayers.

Largest Student Protest

The largest student protest in American history occurred after the Kent State shootings in May of 1970. Over four million students protested and over 850 US colleges and universities shut down during the student strike. The impact of Kent State and the national student strike that followed soon after had a huge impact on American history. Perhaps the Occupy Colleges movement will as well.

Further Reading:
StudentActivism.net
OccupyColleges.org
Colleges Occupy Boston