These days college affordability is a huge concern, and as a result, more students and their families are wary of applying to pricey private schools. So besides providing financial aid to meet needs, colleges and universities try to woo students with generous scholarships and grant packages.
That is a mistake. According to the College Board, annual tuition and fees plus room and board at four-year private universities are much higher — $49,870, on average — compared to public institutions at $21,950 — in the current academic year. However, about two-thirds of all full-time students receive aid, significantly decreasing the sticker price.
Top Colleges With The Best Financial Aid 2020
10. Rice University
Rice University is a top college with some of the best financial aid packages. In addition, the university offers generous merit scholarships to incoming first-year students, and there are a variety of other scholarships and grants available. Rice also has a low cost of attendance, making it an affordable option for students from all backgrounds.
- Annual tuition and fees: $63,252
- Average financial aid package: $443,174
9. Yale University
Yale University is a private ivy league research university located in New Haven, Connecticut. It is considered one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Yale offers an excellent financial aid program that helps students from all backgrounds afford a quality education. Yale is ranked #10 among the colleges with the best financial aid.
Students who qualify for financial aid at Yale can receive scholarships, grants, and work-study jobs that cover 100% of their tuition costs. Additionally, Yale offers loan options to students who need additional funding. The Yale financial aid program is designed to meet the needs of all students, regardless of their family’s income level or wealth status. As a result, over 60% of Yale students receive financial aid.
- Annual tuition and fees: $72,100
- Average financial aid package: $56,602
8. Bowdoin College
Bowdoin College is one of the best schools around when it comes to financial aid. It ranks among the top 10 colleges in the country regarding the percentage of students who receive financial assistance. And while Bowdoin doesn’t offer as much financial aid as some other schools do, it still provides a generous amount of aid to its students.
One reason for Bowdoin’s high ranking is its need-based financial aid program. This program helps ensure that all students, regardless of their families’ income levels, have an opportunity to attend college. In addition, Bowdoin offers a wide range of scholarships and grants, which can be used to help pay for tuition, room and board, and other expenses. Students at Bowdoin also benefit from the school’s low cost of attendance.
- Annual tuition and fees: $68,620
- Average financial aid package: $47,522
7. Washington University in St. Louis
Washington University in St. Louis is one of the top colleges in the United States regarding financial aid. The university offers a wide range of scholarships, grants, and loans to its students, making it possible for anyone to attend. In addition, Washington University also has one of the lowest student-to-faculty ratios in the country, ensuring that students receive plenty of personal attention from their professors.
- Annual tuition and fees: $72,192
- Average financial aid package: $47,335
6. Grinnell College
Grinnell College is one of the best colleges in the United States for students who need financial aid. According to The Princeton Review, Grinnell is one of the top 10 colleges in the nation regarding financial aid packages. In addition, US News & World Report ranks Grinnell as one of the top 20 schools in the country for students who need assistance paying for college.
Grinnell College offers a variety of financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs. The college’s goal is to make higher education accessible to students from all backgrounds. Grinnell also has a generous policy for awarding financial aid packages; the college typically meets 100% of a student’s demonstrated financial need.
- Annual tuition and fees: $67,646
- Average financial aid package: $43,783
5. Williams College
Williams College is one of the top colleges in the country with significant financial aid. It ranks #10 on a list of colleges with the best financial aid, providing an average of $47,000 per student. This ensures that students from all backgrounds can afford to attend this prestigious institution. Williams College also has a generous no-loan policy, which means that students do not have to take out loans to pay for their education.
- Annual tuition and fees: $72,270
- Average financial aid package: $55,621
4. Pomona College
When it comes to finding colleges with the best financial aid packages, Pomona College is always near the top of the list. In fact, in the most recent rankings from Niche, Pomona came in at #10 for colleges with the best financial aid.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise, though, as Pomona has a long history of offering generous financial aid packages to its students. As a result, more than 60% of Pomona students receive financial assistance.
And it’s not just low-income students who benefit from Pomona’s generous financial aid policies. Even students who come from wealthier families can receive substantial scholarships and grants. So if you’re looking for a college with significant financial aid options, be sure to add Pomona College to your list.
- Annual tuition and fees: $71,980
- Average financial aid package: $53,123
3. Vanderbilt University
As one of the country’s most prestigious universities, Vanderbilt University offers many academic opportunities. But what about the cost? Vanderbilt is one of the top colleges with the best financial aid. In fact, according to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, nearly two-thirds of undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance.
The university provides a range of scholarships and grants, and low-interest loans. And if you need more help, Vanderbilt also participates in federal and state loan programs. The bottom line: You can afford to attend Vanderbilt. So what are you waiting for? Could you explore our website and apply today?
- Annual tuition and fees: $68,980
- Average financial aid package: $49,076
2. Princeton University
Princeton University offers some of the best financial aid packages in the country, making it one of the top colleges for students looking for affordable options. The school offers a wide range of scholarships and grants, and low-interest loans to help students cover the cost of attendance.
In addition, Princeton has several special programs that provide additional funding for students from low-income families or first-generation college students. Overall, Princeton offers more than $170 million in financial aid to undergraduate students. This makes it one of the most affordable private universities in the country and an excellent option for students who need help paying for college.
- Annual tuition and fees: $62,750
- Average financial aid package: $51,365
1. Vassar College
According to the Princeton Review, Vassar College is one of the top 10 colleges in the United States regarding financial aid. Ninety-eight percent of undergraduate students receive financial assistance. In addition, Vassar offers a variety of scholarships and grants, including the Presidential Scholarship, which is awarded to the top students in the incoming class.
The college also offers several need-based scholarships based on students’ financial needs. In addition to scholarships and grants, Vassar also offers low-interest loans and work-study programs. Students can also take out private loans if they need additional funding.
- Annual tuition and fees: $68,110
- Average financial aid package: $49,190
Source: | College Board
University Magazine is part of the 
