The rising cost of college is well documented, as is the research that suggests it remains a worthwhile investment for prospective students.

But when weighing the cost of college, it is important to consider the real cost. For example, The Chronicle of Higher Education released a wide-ranging survey of in- and out-of-state college costs, but it does not take several factors into account.

According to USA Today, College Factual released a list of the top 10 most expensive schools, based on the total investment, in the U.S. after taking financial aid and many other metrics into account.

CLICK HERE for CF's full methodology in coming to the actual cost of a school.

1.     Rhode Island School of Design

Cost: $221,978

Location: Providence, R.I.

Acceptance rate: 27 percent

School type: Fine arts and design

2.     Drexel University

Cost: $218,217

Location: Philadelphia, Penn.

Acceptance rate: 75 percent

School type: Private research

3.     Berklee College of Music

Cost: $213,313

Location: Boston, Mass.

Acceptance rate: 19 percent

School type: Independent college of contemporary music

4.     University of the Sciences

Cost: $207,718

Location: Philadelphia, Penn.

Acceptance rate: 64 percent

School type: Pharmaceutical and health-related sciences

5.     New York University

Cost: $206,441

Location: New York, N.Y.

Acceptance rate: 34 percent

School type: Private research

6.     Ringling College of Art and Design

Cost: $204,456

Location: Sarasota, Fla.

Acceptance rate: 73 percent

School type: Private four-year art school

7.     School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Cost: $201,757

Location: Chicago, Ill.

Acceptance rate: 78 percent

School type: Independent school of art and design

8.     The New School

Cost: $201,449

Location: New York, N.Y.

Acceptance rate: 65 percent

School type: Private research

9.     Washington University in St. Louis

Cost: $196,769

Location: St. Louis, Mo.

Acceptance rate: 18 percent

School type: Private research

10.  California Institute of the Arts

Cost: $193,159

Location: Valencia, Calif.

Acceptance rate: 33 percent

School type: Visual and performing arts