Hey! I’m from New England and I'm hoping to stay in the area for college. Do any of you know which colleges here are the most affordable? Any kind of insight would be deeply appreciated!
Sure, I'm happy to help! Here are some schools in New England that are known to be more affordable:
1. University of Maine: This public university has a Flagship Match program, which means they will match the in-state tuition of your home state's flagship public university if you live in one of six neighboring states. This program makes University of Maine a great bargain for many students.
2. Maine Maritime Academy: This public college provides degrees focused on marine and maritime-related fields. It's known for providing a strong return on investment and having low net prices.
3. Bunker Hill Community College and Roxbury Community College in Boston: Community colleges can be an affordable way to begin your college journey, especially if you plan to transfer to a four-year college later.
4. University of Connecticut: UCONN offers generous financial aid programs to in-state students, making it an affordable option if you're a Connecticut resident. Out-of-state students might find this school pricier, though.
5. Plymouth State University and Keene State College: Both of these New Hampshire colleges are part of the University System of New Hampshire, which offers the Granite Guarantee, covering tuition costs for in-state students who are eligible for federal Pell Grants.
6. Bridgewater State University: This Massachusetts public university is one of the least expensive in the state and offers over 80 undergraduate programs.
Finally, if cost is a primary concern for you, don't forget about applying to private schools with generous financial aid policies, despite their high sticker prices. Many well-resourced colleges will meet 100% of your demonstrated financial need, and some offer no-loan financial aid packages, so you graduate without student loan debt. An example in the New England region is Dartmouth College. Dartmouth offers free tuition to students from families making less than $125,000 per year.
In addition to considering tuition, remember to check out the total cost of attendance (including room, board, books, and travel expenses) and what kind of financial aid packages each school typically offers. A net price calculator can help you estimate what you might actually pay after financial aid at each school. Good luck with your search!
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