Y'all, I need to find colleges that aren't going to leave me drowning in debt after I graduate. Where should I look when searching for colleges that give the most money in terms of financial aid?
It's a wise decision to consider the cost and financial aid availability while looking at college options. Here are some universities known for providing substantial financial aid:
1. Princeton University: Princeton was the first university to eliminate student loans from their financial aid packages. Instead, they only offer grants, which do not need to be repaid. They meet 100% of the demonstrated need of all admitted students, domestic and international.
2. Yale University: Yale also pledges to meet 100% of demonstrated need of all students, with a no-loan policy in financial aid packages.
3. Stanford University: Stanford offers an impressive financial aid program, with families earning under $65,000 expected to contribute nothing to tuition, room, or board. Those earning under $150,000 do not pay tuition.
4. Harvard University: Harvard pledges no contribution for families earning less than $85,000 annually and 0-10% of income from families earning up to $150,000 annually.
5. Columbia University: Columbia pledges to meet 100% of the demonstrated need of all students and has a no-loan policy, replacing student loans with grants.
6. MIT: MIT provides aid that meets 100% of the demonstrated need of all students, with families earning under $140,000 a year not paying tuition.
7. Vanderbilt University: Vanderbilt has a no-loan policy and also meets 100% of the demonstrated need.
Keep in mind that you'll need to compare not only the amount of aid provided but also the portion of students who receive financial aid at each school. Also, note that aid packages may differ significantly based on your family's financial situation.
When searching for schools, highly recommend using each college's Net Price Calculator, which can be found on their financial aid webpage. This will give you an estimate of what your family might be expected to contribute, though the actual numbers can vary based on a multitude of factors. Remember that financial aid encompasses grants, work-study, and loans, so dig into the details to have the clearest understanding.
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