Hello there, cost is a major factor in my college decision process. Are there any recommended colleges that are listed as 'most affordable' in the US News and World Report?
Surely, the affordability of a college can be a critical deciding factor for students. US News and World Report provides an annual ranking of colleges, titled "Best Value Schools," which merges academic quality and cost after accounting for total expenses and financial aid. The three top universities listed in their 2024 rankings are:
1. Harvard University: It stands out due to its generous financial aid policy. In fact, families earning less than $85,000 per year pay nothing at all. Families earning between $85,000 and $150,000 annually will pay between 0 to 10% of their income.
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): MIT provides need-based financial aid, striving to make attendance financially viable for all admitted students. Here, most families making less than $90,000 per year aren't expected to contribute to tuition.
3. Princeton University: Princeton has a 'no-loan' policy, substituting grants for loans in all financial aid packages. This means most of the students graduate debt-free.
Remember, these rankings are not a conclusive determinant of what's affordable for you, as they revolve around the averages. Ensure to use each school's Net Price Calculator for an estimate closer to what you'd be expected to pay.
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