The appeal of the famous school makes sense — entertaining and engaging classes, professors with literally hundreds of years of experience, a picturesque campus and, of course, magic. A LOT of magic.
If a career in potions or astronomy is high on your wish list, you may want to consider these more affordable, real-world alternatives.
1. POTIONS: HARVARD UNIVERSITY
College Factual ranks Harvard as the top chemistry school in the U.S. With a yearly cost of $41,192, witches and wizards who planned to pursue a career in Potions may want to consider Harvard instead.
Although it’s unlikely that you’ll be brewing up any Felix Felicis at the Cambridge, Mass. university, knowing you secured a first-rate education should make you feel quite lucky, indeed.
2. HISTORY OF MAGIC: YALE UNIVERSITY
Harry Potter lamented that history was “by common consent the most boring subject ever devised by Wizard-kind,” but those studying American History at Yale University probably disagree.
With a price tag of $36,119, Yale comes in at the top of College Factual’s list of top history schools. It’s almost guaranteed that Eli’s will probably focus more on the American Revolution and less on goblin rebellions and giant wars.
3. ASTRONOMY: UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-BERKELEY
With a yearly in-state cost of $23,362, UC-Berkeley is the most popular school in the U.S for students pursuing an astronomy degree.
Students who choose to study here will have to sacrifice studying at the top of Hogwarts Astronomy tower in lieu of, well, the beach. But we think that’s a pretty solid trade-off.
4. CARE OF MAGICAL CREATURES: PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
The biggest perk of pursuing a career in the Care of Magical Creatures is being taught by Hagrid, of course. The unicorns aren’t too bad either. What Penn State lacks in unicorns and Hagrids, it makes up for in sticker price and location. With an in-state tuition of $27,669 and literally being located in Happy Valley, Penn State is a great Hogwarts substitute.
5. FLYING: EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY
So technically only first-years have to take Flying at Hogwarts — and most have an easier time picking it up than Neville. But we all know it takes a little longer than that for Muggles to pursue an aviation degree.
According to College Factual, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, which is located in Daytona Beach, Fla., graduates the most air transportation majors every year and has an in-state tuition cost of $22,416.
6. QUIDDITCH: UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS-AUSTIN
While many students select a school based on its academic merit, others are drawn to stellar sports programs. Luckily for us, the sport of Quidditch can be found in both the magical and Muggle worlds.
UT-Austin placed first in the 8th Annual Quidditch World Cup in April. With an annual in-state tuition of $21,680, the school is a suitable alternative — and less than half the cost — of attending Hogwarts.
7. HERBOLOGY: HUMBOLT STATE UNIVERSITY
It’s truly sad that us Muggles are missing out on Hogwart’s newest – and dreamiest — Herbology professor, Neville Longbottom (who woulda thought, amiright?).
However, Humbolt State University, which is located in Arcata, Calif., is a wonderful alternative. Graduating the most botany majors in the country, the school’s $18,191 price tag makes it a great stand-in for Hogwarts. You will, unfortunately, just have to settle for hanging a Neville Longbottom poster on your wall…
8. HOGWARTS-LIKE ATMOSPHERE: JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY
If wonderful people, a picturesque setting and a fantastic academic experience are at the top of your list, consider attending James Madison University.
Settled in the Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley and surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, the views from JMU can’t be beat. With an annual in-state cost of $20,124, graduates are sure to leave JMU feeling that their time as a Duke Dog was truly magical.
