The Real Cost of Education: Need Advice on the Most Affordable Colleges

So I'm a bit anxious since college is just around the corner and I'm really worried about finances. Can anyone tell me about the 50 most affordable colleges? It's majorly important for my family that I choose a college that won't saddle us with buckets of debt. Thanks in advance!!

I completely understand your concern about the financial burden that college can create. Given your needs, you should consider a variety of institutions that are known for their generous financial aid packages, low tuition, or even tuition-free policies.

1. Berea College, in Kentucky, is one of the few colleges in the US that is truly tuition-free.

2. Other options in low-tuition states include various campuses of the City University of New York (CUNY), such as Hunter College and Queens College, as well as campuses in the California State University (CSU) system, like San Francisco State University and CSU Long Beach.

3. There are a number of schools that commit to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all students, making them affordable options under the right circumstances. Examples of these schools include the Ivies, Stanford, MIT, and many top liberal arts colleges like Williams, Amherst, Pomona, and Swarthmore. However, it’s important to realize that what these colleges determine as your need might not match your own calculations.

4. A number of top-tier colleges have policies where families who fall under a certain income threshold don't have to contribute to tuition. At Harvard, families who earn less than $85,000 per year pay nothing towards the cost of attendance. Families who earn between $85,000 and $150,000 per year will pay between 0 and 10% of their annual income.

5. Finally, don't forget to consider community colleges, where tuition is typically lower than at four-year schools. Some states, like New York and Oregon, even have tuition-free community college programs.

While compiling these categories was my attempt to give you some good starting points, I’d encourage you to use a Net Price Calculator on any school’s individual website. You just input your family's financial info, and it will give you an estimate of what you would pay (including both tuition and living expenses) after receiving aid.

And remember, scholarships and work-study programs could significantly reduce your net cost regardless of where you go. You should also apply for FAFSA to see if you qualify for federal aid. Good luck!