College financial aid can include grants, scholarships, work-study and loans. The most useful affordability view compares aid with tuition, fees, room and board and net price.
Average tuition
$20,567
Average net price
$17,506
Average attendance cost
$30,258
Grant Aid and Scholarships
Grants and scholarships can reduce net price because they generally do not need to be repaid. Pell Grant rate can help show how many students receive need-based federal grants.
Federal Loans
Federal loans can help cover a remaining bill, but borrowing should be read as a financing tool rather than a discount. Federal loan rate can show how common borrowing is at a school.
Compare Aid With Outcomes
Aid is strongest when read beside completion, earnings, net price and attendance cost. A low net price and stronger outcomes can matter more than sticker price alone.