What is the most affordable university?

I'm planning for college and need to consider costs. Does anyone know which universities are considered the most affordable, either overall or through scholarships or financial aid opportunities? Looking for any insights to help me plan my choices.

The affordability of a university can greatly depend on a student's financial circumstances and eligibility for need-based or merit-based aid, so providing a single answer can be a bit complex. However, some universities are known for being generous with financial aid and have some programs to aid affordability.

For instance, Berea College in Kentucky is one college that stands out—it does not charge tuition. Instead, all admitted students receive the Tuition Promise Scholarship, which more than covers the cost of tuition. Students are required to work a minimum of 10 hours per week on campus, though, as part of their financial aid package.

Public universities often offer lower tuition rates to in-state residents—schools within the State University of New York (SUNY) and University of California (UC) systems, for instance, offer reduced tuition fees for residents of their states. Some states even have programs that allow certain students to attend for free, based on need. For example, certain income-eligible students from Rhode Island can attend the Community College of Rhode Island for free through the Rhode Island Promise program.

Keep in mind also that Ivy League schools, while having relatively higher published tuition rates, commit to covering 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students. For example, families earning less than $85,000 per year pay nothing towards the cost of attendance at Harvard University. If they earn between $85,000 and $150,000 per year, they will pay between 0 and 10% of their annual income. The same goes for Princeton, Yale, Dartmouth and others—they all offer excellent financial aid packages that often make attending these institutions as or more affordable than state schools.

You can utilize net price calculators on school financial aid websites to get an estimate of what your cost would be at a particular school. Remember, most of these estimates based on current income, and don't account for change in circumstances such as having multiple siblings in college concurrently.

It can be very helpful to apply for outside scholarships as well to offset the costs. Keep in mind though, some colleges might reduce your need-based aid if you receive outside scholarships.

Lastly, make sure to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) because there could be state or federal grants or loans available to you, and colleges use the information on the FAFSA to determine your financial aid package.