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The best financial aid offer on the table is not always the most obvious. As a collegebound upper middle class family, you know you’re looking for the best financial aid offer on the table, but you may not be aware of…or even have access to…all of your options. Visit collegelearners.com for information regarding Colleges With Best Financial Aid For Upper Middle Class, college with best financial aid for low income families, schools with best financial aid for out of state students & financial aid for private colleges.
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best colleges for upper middle class
There is too much at risk to not get some personalized, expert help, and often just a bit of time spent with a tutor can make a significant difference in how a student tests. We’ve seen it time and time again – a student believes they’ve hit a “testing wall” but needs to increase their score in hopes of being competitive at their dream school.
They spend some time with a high quality tutor and the smallest tweaking in testing practice adds points here and there. In addition, the SAT is quite different from the ACT, so understanding what to expect, how the tests are timed and whether you should leave a question blank, are all crucial to success. And spending even more time with a high quality tutor can help students ramp up their scores considerably.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology 4 Year Cambridge, MA 622 reviews#1 Best Colleges in America Junior: MIT is an outstanding university with numerous and diverse opportunities in research and academics. Classes at MIT are indeed difficult, with homework and associated studying consuming a large chunk of time. The beauty of this is that it pushes students to go above and beyond their previous understanding of what they believed themselves to be capable of. Additionally, the explorative and creative atmosphere which springs from the vibrancy of the student body and the faculty is second to none. There are so many chances to do great things at MIT, even as an undergrad!
Stanford University 4 Year Stanford, CA 1,176 reviews#2 Best Colleges in America Freshman: For lack of better words, Stanford University is a one of a kind university. The cleanliness, architecture, art, and general energy of the campus are all of positivity, engagement, and other things of that sort. Whenever I am there, interacting with the students, faculty, and employees of the various stores and cafes there, it is a very, very welcoming environment. The bookstore has an amazing selection of books, and I always love looking at the selections of readings at its various libaries. Furthermore, every single interaction with professors that I have had, I have enjoyed them and am very much of the belief that they have been for the better. I am truly glad that I will be a part of the incoming Stanford class of 2024.
Yale University 4 Year New Haven, CT 986 reviews#3 Best Colleges in America Senior: Great college! They say the more options you have the more regrets you’ll have, and that has been true of my Yale experience. While I do not regret doing the things I did do, I do wish I had more than 24 hours in a day so I could do even more! There is so much to do in terms of career development, extra-curriculars, and just entertainment in general. There are so many classes to choose from and most of the professors are incredible not just as professors, but as people in general. If I could redo college I would definitely choose Yale again!
Harvard University 4 Year Cambridge, MA 730 reviews#4 Best Colleges in AmericaFreshman: Harvard is incredible! The campus is vibrant and there are always tourists. It is especially busy during fall because the foliage is beautiful. The professors are very knowledgeable. Most write their own textbooks, so they truly know what they are teaching. The students are also great; they are intellectual, fun, and laidback. It is a great experience studying here!
- Princeton University4 Year Princeton, NJ 430 reviews#5 Best Colleges in America Freshman: The courses, faculty, resources, and community here are all wonderful. There is truly a culture throughout the university of caring about the students and doing everything possible to help them succeed. The academics are, of course, extremely challenging, but there are plenty of ways to get help and the academic faculty are always very receptive to students needing assistance. Most everyone has the drive to succeed without creating an overly competitive or cutthroat environment. Culture outside of academics – arts, music, clubs, sports – is vibrant as well.
- Duke University4 Year Durham, NC 1,109 reviews#6 Best Colleges in America Sophomore: Duke is a great place to come for vast opportunities, career exploration, professional development and more. You can literally try anything here! It’s so flexible. Campus is beautiful, the food options are plentiful, and research experiences are readily available. The academic advising here is amazing as well.
- Brown University4 Year Providence, RI 997 reviews#7 Best Colleges in America Junior: Brown University has been an incredible experience and has allowed me to pursue passions that I wasn’t even aware I was interested in! The unique open curriculum allows students to take courses from a broad range of subjects and helps to ensure they find the right area of study. I personally believed I wanted to go into biomedical engineering, however, after taking a variety of classes at Brown in environmental studies, I have switched my major. Every teacher, student, and dean is so incredibly passionate about the work and everyone is constantly striving to be better which makes the University an amazing place and experience!
- Columbia University4 Year New York, NY 1,210 reviews#8 Best Colleges in AmericaAlum: Wow, I loved it there! The academics were top notch, and several of my peers are already successful in their careers; the degree as a label has traction in the job market.
As a Veteran who grew up in Minnesota, the weather was mild for me, but those from the South will find the winter challenging.
I found myself very absorbed by my studies at that time, and so did most of the other students. That can make it extremely easy to meet people in an intellectual sense but somewhat difficult to meet in a social sense. My advice is if you want to date, you should learn how to meet people at NYU.
Financial aid is difficult to obtain, but I was a Veteran, and the government paid my tuition, so that was not my struggle. - University of Pennsylvania4 Year Philadelphia, PA 1,220 reviews#9 Best Colleges in America Sophomore: A true research institution, the University of Pennsylvania encourages all of its students to be curious about the world. Fund their research, it provides once in a lifetime opportunities with access to remarkable faculty, an international reach, and trail blazing peers. As a member of the Ivy League, it connects its study body to similar-minded students in a culture of alma matter pride, playful rivalry, and inter-school dependent programming. Whether it be an Ivy League conference on LatinX heritage, political science, or veganism, the University of Pennsylvania encourages curiosity at every seam of the institution’s fabric.
How to Find Affordable Colleges as a Middle-Class Student
The price of attending college has more than doubled since the 1980s. Luckily, the vast majority of students today receive some form of financial aid (89%, as reported by Paul Trough in The New York Times Magazine in 2019).
While many students in the lower-income bracket receive substantial financial aid packages, even full rides in some cases, and students in the upper-income bracket can often afford the ticket price, middle-income students sometimes find that their awards don’t fully meet their needs.
If you’re concerned about paying for college as a middle-class student, don’t worry: there are many options available.
Why Is College So Expensive for the Middle Class?
According to the Pew Research Center, approximately 52% of U.S. adults lived in middle-income households in 2018. The study defines middle-income households as those with incomes ranging from $48,500-$145,500 for a family of three.
This, of course, is a huge range, and the relative income is also variable by factors like location and cost of living in that area (which colleges generally don’t account for).
Moreover, students in lower-income brackets often have plenty of grants available to them, such as the Pell Grant, which is awarded to students with “exceptional financial need.” Middle-class students, meanwhile, have less demonstrable financial need, but with the rising cost of higher education, many cannot still not afford to pay the prices, even with financial aid.
Luckily, there are some better options for students in the middle class. Here are some of the more affordable colleges for these families.
Colleges With Best Financial Aid for the Middle Class
1. Colleges that Meet 100% Need
A good handful of top-tier schools are committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all accepted students. This means that the schools will cover the difference between the cost of attendance and your expected family contribution (EFC), often through grants, loans, or work-study.
The following schools meet full demonstrated need and are even no-loan, meaning that you’ll only receive grants in your financial aid package (and sometimes federal work-study).
- Amherst College
- Bowdoin College
- Brown University
- Colby College
- Columbia University
- Davidson College
- Harvard University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Northwestern University
- Pomona College
- Princeton University
- Stanford University
- Swarthmore College
- University of Chicago
- University of Pennsylvania
- US Air Force Academy
- US Naval Academy
- Vanderbilt University
- Washington and Lee University
- West Point
- Yale University
These schools are also need-blind, so your financial need won’t be a factor in your admissions decision.
In some cases, these colleges could be cheaper than in-state public schools after financial aid — even free for lower-middle-class students in certain situations. A handful of these schools even specifically state that families making under a certain amount are required to pay nothing.
Here are some of these schools:
Full ride for students with families making under $65,000 per year (generally, these numbers refer to a family of four with typical assets). Families with incomes between $65,000 and $150,000 will contribute from 0-10% of their income.
Full ride for students with families making under $54,000 or less per year. Free tuition for students with families making under $120,000 per year.
Full ride for students with families making under $65,000 per year. Free tuition for students with families making under $125,000 per year.
Full ride for students with families making under $60,000 per year. Free tuition for students with families making under $125,000 per year.
Full ride for students with families making under $65,000 per year. Students with families making under $150,000 per year will pay no more than $15,000.
Bear in mind that even these schools that meet 100% need may vary in terms of their generosity. Different schools use different algorithms for calculating financial need, and you could receive offers that differ by thousands of dollars. To get an idea of what you’ll be expected to pay, make sure to use the net-price calculators on colleges’ financial aid pages.
2. Colleges with Merit Scholarships
Merit scholarships aren’t awarded based on income but academic and extracurricular performance and achievements. Still, middle-class students can still receive significant merit scholarships.
For instance, National Merit Semifinalists can get full rides at the University of Alabama and the University of Arizona.
Meanwhile, additional colleges offer substantial scholarships and, in some cases, full rides to students based on their SAT or ACT scores. At Alabama State University, for example, the Presidential Academic Scholarship is awarded to students with at least a 3.76 GPA and 26 on their ACT or 1240 on their SAT. This scholarship covers the student’s education.
Other institutions award full-ride or full-tuition scholarships based on a more holistic review of students’ academic achievements. For instance, Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill students may participate in the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program, which covers tuition, mandatory fees, and room and board for four years. The scholarship is awarded based on leadership, intellectual curiosity, strength of character, and collaborative spirit.
3. In-state Public Schools
For students in the upper-middle class, in-state public schools are often the cheapest options. Many students in this category won’t qualify for substantial financial aid packages at private schools, and even with some aid, education is often a significant fraction of their total family income.
In-state public universities can be much more affordable, and many institutions also award substantial merit scholarships.
If you want to save even more money, you could consider starting at a community college, and then transferring to a four-year university. Some state universities have guaranteed transfer programs with their local community colleges.
How to Find Affordable, Best-Fit Colleges
Be aware that most colleges with the best financial aid awards tend to be highly selective. We recommend applying to a balanced list of 8-12 schools, with 25% being safety schools, 40% target schools, and 35% reach schools.
For middle class students, finding target schools that are viable financially is a lot trickier, as target schools often don’t offer as generous of aid. In this case, you may consider applying to a mix of more safety or “hard target” schools.
Wondering how to find the best, affordable colleges? Using CollegeVine’s free chancing engine, you can estimate your cost of attendance at particular colleges and get tips for improving your profile for success. We’ve made it easy to create a balanced and financially-sound list of best fit schools.
top 10 colleges for financial aid
In the wake of the coronavirus crisis, college affordability is a top concern.
Roughly two-thirds of parents of college-bound students now say they are more worried about paying for their child’s education, according to a report by Discover Student Loans.
More than half of parents also said their child’s college plans have changed due to Covid-19, Discover found. By necessity, some students will attend a school closer to home, delay going to college or choose a less expensive public, rather than private, college.
Here are the 10 best schools for financial aid, according to The Princeton Review:
10. Denison University
Denison UniversitySource: Denison University
Location: Granville, Ohio
Tuition, fees, room and board: $66,880
Average need-based scholarship: $41,138
Out-of-pocket cost: $25,742
This small liberal arts school makes a big promise to its undergraduates affected by the pandemic: Regardless of the impacts of Covid-19, Denison meets 100% of a student’s demonstrated need. “We are committed to ensuring the most competitive and accurate financial aid package is offered,” the school says.
9. College of the Atlantic
College of the AtlanticSource: College of the Atlantic
Location: Bar Harbor, Maine
Tuition, fees, room and board: $53,289
Average need-based scholarship: $36,091
Out-of-pocket cost: $17,198
As members of this small community on Maine’s Mount Desert Island, students benefit from the school’s stunning remote location and its deep commitment to affordability. In addition, COA provides each undergrad with up to $1,800 to support expeditionary learning.
8. Thomas Aquinas College
Thomas Aquinas CollegeSource: Thomas Aquinas College
Location: Santa Paula, California
Tuition, fees, room and board: $35,400
Average need-based scholarship: $14,019
Out-of-pocket cost: $21,381
This very small Catholic school outside of Los Angeles is not for every college-bound senior but, with a rolling campus, favorable student-to-teacher ratio and generous aid packages, it could be worth consideration. The school funds 100% of demonstrated need for all students, first with an on-campus job and then with a grant that does not need to be repaid. Undergrads here are out of pocket just over $20,000 a year — about the same cost as a public college, on average.
7. Rice University
Rice UniversityCraig Hartley | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Location: Houston
Tuition, fees, room and board: $63,252
Average need-based scholarship: $48,300
Out-of-pocket cost: $14,952
For those who qualify, the Rice Investment will meet all demonstrated need without any loans. Further, students with family incomes below $65,000 receive grant aid covering not only full tuition but also fees and room and board. Students with family incomes between $65,000 and $130,000 receive full-tuition scholarships and those with family incomes between $130,000 and $200,000 get scholarships covering at least half of their tuition, according to the school.
6. Reed College
Reed CollegeJerryPDX | iStock | Getty Images
Location: Portland, Oregon
Tuition, fees, room and board: $73,060
Average need-based scholarship: $39,913
Out-of-pocket cost: $33,147
Although some families may be deterred by the very high sticker price at this small school in Portland, Reed will meet 100% of the demonstrated need of all admitted students for all four years. In fact, over half of the students here receive need-based aid and there are also many on- and off-campus jobs available.
5. Bowdoin College
Joshua Chamberlain statue at the entrance to the Bowdoin campus in Brunswick, Maine.Gregory Rec | Portland Press Herald | Getty Images
Location: Brunswick, Maine
Tuition, fees, room and board: $68,620
Average need-based scholarship: $47,522
Out-of-pocket cost: $21,098
This small college on the coast of Maine is a triple threat: highly competitive, picturesque and price-sensitive. For students who qualify, Bowdoin grants range from $1,200 to $73,800 and aid packages are loan-free. WATCH NOWVIDEO03:31How Bowdoin College is tackling back to school challenges
4. Washington University in St. Louis
Washington University in St LouisChristopher A. Jones | Getty Images
Location: St. Louis
Tuition, fees, room and board: $74,788
Average need-based scholarship: $50,725
Out-of-pocket cost: $24,063
At first glance, Wash U. is another one of the pricier schools on The Princeton Review list. However, it is similarly committed to helping defray the cost without relying on loan debt. For starters, it has eliminated need-based loans to students from low- and middle-income families, which means that those dollars never have to be paid back.
3. Grinnell College
Grinnell CollegePhoto: Grinnell
Location: Grinnell, Iowa
Tuition, fees, room and board: $70,544
Average need-based scholarship: $45,482
Out-of-pocket cost: $25,062
This is a small college with the resources of a school 10 times its size, according to the admissions office. As a result, a stunning 86% of students receive aid to help pay for their education. The average need-based scholarship for undergraduates is more than $45,000, which brings the net price to just about $25,000.
2. Williams College
Williams CollegeJohn Greim | LightRocket | Getty Images
Location: Williamstown, Massachusetts
Tuition, fees, room and board: $74,350
Average need-based scholarship: $56,788
Out-of-pocket cost: $17,562
One of the best liberal arts colleges in the country is practically hidden in a remote part of western Massachusetts. However, students who find a pathway to Williams graduate with a top education and very little college debt. Often aid packages are entirely made up of grants and work study opportunities — and don’t include any loans.
1. Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt UniversityVanderbilt | Collegiate Images | Getty Images
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Tuition, fees, room and board: $69,816
Average need-based scholarship: $52,242
Out-of-pocket cost: $17,574
Vanderbilt’s financial aid packages do not include any loans at all or income cut-offs that limit eligibility. In addition to gift assistance, the school is known for its three signature scholarships, which all cover full tuition and offer summer stipends to study abroad, complete service projects or conduct research. And they are renewable for all four years of college.
college with best financial aid for low-income families
According to the U.S. Department of Education, students from low-income families are generally under-prepared and less qualified for college than their higher-income peers. But a growing number of these students are bucking the trend and successfully attending college—the difference in enrollment rates between low- and high-income students is narrowing, from a gap 30 percentage points wide in 2000 to just over half of that in 2016.
Colleges and universities are creating programs to help low-income students access higher education, with many making specific efforts to assure these students complete a degree. Learn more about which schools are graduating high numbers of low-income students, and get tips, advice and information on the programs designed to foster college success.
Best Colleges for Low-Income Students
While cost may be a leading concern, there are many factors that make a college a great fit for low-income students. Look for schools who have a proven track record of investing in the success of students who come from underserved areas and backgrounds. We have narrowed down a list of schools that are going above and beyond, serving high percentages of low-income students and providing them with the best combination of support, from student services to financial aid and graduation success. Each school listed also offers fully online undergraduate program options, giving low-income students the flexibility to look beyond their state borders at the best higher education opportunities in the nation.See Our Rankings Methodology
| SCHOOL | LOCATION | PELL GRANT RECIPIENTS | MEDIAN DEBT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. South Florida State College | Lakel, FL | 46% | $5,000 |
| 2. Saint Peter’s University | Newark, NJ | 53% | $25,000 |
| 3. Lincoln Memorial University | Middles borough, TN | 60% | $17,020 |
| 4. Florida International University | Miami, FL | 56% | $17,228 |
| 5. Mississippi University For Women | Columbus, MS | 44% | $15,000 |
| 6. SUNY College of Technology at Alfred | Olean, NY | 44% | $14,874 |
| 7. University of Mount Olive | Goldsboro, NC | 52% | $28,006 |
| 8. Fresno Pacific University | Fresno, CA | 56% | $21,500 |
| 9. Southern Wesleyan University | Greenville, SC | 62% | $27,000 |
| 10. Claflin University | Columbia, SC | 55% | $32,185 |
| 11. Florida Atlantic University | Port St. Lucie, FL | 51% | $16,861 |
| 12. Santa Fe College | Gainesville, FL | 52% | $11,025 |
| 13. Carlow University | Pittsburgh, PA | 44% | $27,000 |
| 14. Sam Houston State University | Huntsville, TX | 46% | $21,500 |
| 15. Chaminade University of Honolulu | Honolulu, HI | 51% | $22,500 |
schools with best financial aid for out-of-state students
Only 28 percent of high school graduates attend college out-of-state. Since non-residents generally spend three to four times what in-state students pay for the privilege, many don’t even consider schools beyond their state border. This financial barrier, however, is not impossible to overcome. Students can secure in-state tuition rates, or something close to it, for those out-of-state schools and add exciting new college choices to their list.
Take a closer look at why students may want to consider out-of-state schools, find out the difference between resident and non-resident status and tuition rates and learn strategies for bridging that financial gap if you want to go out-of-state.
How to Get In-State Tuition as an Out-of-State Student
For students whose dream schools are in another state, or for those just looking for an education beyond their backyards, programs are available to lessen the financial burden. In some cases, schools will allow students from neighboring states to attend their colleges for less than the cost of out-of-state tuition. Called reciprocity agreements, these programs can dramatically broaden the options available for students looking to get away from home.
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Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP)
Who is included Residents of Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio and Wisconsin. What it does Coordinated by the Midwest Higher Education Compact, MSEP is a collection of more than 80 schools that agree to charge no more than 150 percent of in-state enrollment costs to qualifying students. Private schools may also participate if they agree to offer a discount of at least 10 percent. How to qualify and apply Visit msep.mhec.org and input the requested basic information into the Get Started online tool.
National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA)
Who is included Residents of every state except California, as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands. What it does States and educational institutions voluntarily join SARA, which develops a state-level reciprocity process that is wider than traditional regional reciprocity agreements. The program is administered jointly by the four regional governing bodies detailed in this section. When states are approved for membership, they can then begin enrolling eligible schools, which can then begin enrolling out-of-state students from across the country at reduced tuition rates. How to qualify and apply If you live in a SARA state, determine if your desired school participates in the program. Then, visit or contact the school’s SARA liaison officer.
New England Regional Student Program (RSP)
Who is included Residents of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. What it does All 82 of New England’s public colleges and universities, along with their 800 collective degree programs, participate in the RSP Tuition Break program. The average participant saves $8,033. How to qualify and apply Permanent New England residents should start by making sure they meet the desired school’s RSP enrollment requirements, then declare an RSP-approved program as their intended field of study.
Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Academic Common Market
Who is included Residents of Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Texas and Florida participate, but only at the graduate level. What it does The Academic Common Market provides access to more than 1,900 programs, both graduate and undergraduate, to students across the South. Students who are accepted will receive tuition rates reduced below that which is paid by non-SREB students. How to qualify and apply The program is neither competitive nor merit based, but applicants must live in SREB states. Prospective students must complete an Academic Common Market certification application from their state and confirm that a school in their state does not already offer their program of choice.
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)
Who is included Residents of all 16 Western states, including Alaska, Hawaii and the Dakotas. What it does Coordinated by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, WUE is the largest program of its kind in America. It opens more than 150 two- and four-year schools to regional students who live within the WUE zone. Qualifying students who are approved will pay 150 percent of the enrolling school’s in-state tuition rate, provided the student is pursuing a long-term degree. How to qualify and apply Apply directly through your choice of participating WUE schools, each of which develops its own WUE application process and eligibility guidelines.
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