What are the most affordable universities to attend?

With college costs being pretty high, I'm looking for schools that offer a great education for a lower price. Which universities are considered the most affordable while still being academically strong?

The affordability of a university can substantially depend on your individual financial situation, but some universities have policies or programs that make them more affordable on average. For example, certain high-ranking universities meet 100% demonstrated need for all admitted students, meaning they provide the necessary financial aid to cover the whole cost of attendance, minus what the family is calculated to be able to pay. Several Ivy League schools, such as Princeton University, Harvard University, and Yale University, follow this policy, making them effectively among the most affordable institutions for students with financial need.

State universities, especially ones in your state of residency, also provide strong academics at a lower price tag. These schools, for instance the University of Florida or the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC Chapel Hill), often have strong academic programs and offer lower tuition for in-state residents.

In addition, there are work colleges, like College of the Ozarks and Berea College, that allow students to work in campus jobs to pay for their tuition.

Also worth looking into are schools with robust merit scholarship programs, like University of Alabama and University of Southern California (USC), that can significantly reduce the cost of attendance for high-achieving students.

While applying, remember to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This will provide you with access to federal and state grants and work-study programs.

Lastly, make sure to use the Net Price Calculator located on each university's financial aid page of their website, as it gives an estimated amount of what you and your family may be expected to pay.