True Costs of Attending Reed College?

Hi all, I'm currently on the college hunt and Reed College caught my eye. However, the important question - what's the financial damage if I decide to go there? I know the stated tuition, but what other costs should I anticipate (room, board, textbooks)? And also, how generous are they when it comes to financial aid and scholarships? Anyone can shed some light on this?

Reed College, like most private, liberal arts colleges, does have higher costs when compared to public institutions. However, it's not just tuition you'd need to consider - as you've rightly pointed out, you must also account for room and board, textbooks, and other miscellaneous expenses.

For the 2024-2025 academic year, Reed College lists tuition costs at $69,040 and room and board at $17,660. The college estimates books, supplies, and personal expenses to total around $2,000 for the year, but keep in mind, textbook costs can vary significantly based on your major and the courses you take. You'll also need to factor in travel costs for trips back home during breaks.

When it comes to financial aid, Reed College is known to be quite generous. In fact, approximately 52% of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, with an average package of about $47,800. Remember, the total amount of aid that you'll be eligible for will largely depend on your family's financial circumstances as measured by your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and CSS Profile. In addition to need-based aid, Reed College also offers merit-based scholarships, although these are less common.

Finally, it's imperative to run the net price calculator on Reed's admissions website (https://npc.collegeboard.org/app/reed). This tool gives a more personalized estimate of what your family would be expected to contribute, factoring in both institutional and federal aid. This will give you a clearer picture of the out-of-pocket cost you might expect.

Remember, the sticker price can be daunting, but financial aid often reduces this substantially. Make sure to apply for aid early and consider all your options before making a decision.