Scholarships and aid for college

colleges with the lowest net price

What families paid on average after grants and scholarships, per year (federal data). Your own price can differ: every college has a net price calculator on its website.

1. –Moorpark CollegeMoorpark, CA$0 or less
2. C+Colegio Universitario de San JuanSan Juan, PR$0 or less
3. –Henry Ford CollegeDearborn, MI$660
4. –North Florida CollegeMadison, FL$804
5. B+San Diego Christian CollegeSantee, CA$992
6. –Chipola CollegeMarianna, FL$1,133
7. –Texas A&M University-Central TexasKilleen, TX$1,300
8. –College of the MainlandTexas City, TX$1,342
9. –St. Petersburg CollegeSt. Petersburg, FL$1,471
10. –Skyline CollegeSan Bruno, CA$1,738

See every college, by price

Scholarships to apply for

• FederalFAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)The one form for federal grants such as the Pell Grant, work-study and student loans. Most colleges also use it to award their own aid, so file it even if you don’t expect to qualify.Official page: amounts, deadlines and how to apply
• NationalHispanic Scholarship FundFor students of Hispanic heritage at any accredited college.Official page: amounts, deadlines and how to apply

Ask each college

• Many colleges have their own merit and need-based awards, and some award them automatically when you apply. Ask the financial aid office what they offer and when the deadlines are.
• Community groups, local foundations and your parents’ employers often offer scholarships too. Ask your high school counselor.
• When the aid offers arrive, compare them side by side: grants and scholarships don’t have to be repaid; loans do.