The cost of a public college education continues to rise, despite an improving economy. The
That's why it's more important than ever for students and parents to cast a wide net in their college search. It may seem counterintuitive, but don't be put off by high sticker prices, particularly at private colleges and universities with generous financial aid packages. Students with top grades and stellar test scores or other attributes attractive to colleges may be eligible for discounts of up to 70% off the published price. Here are 10 schools from Kiplinger's 2015 combined list of 300 best college values where the net price tag per student (tuition, fees, room and board, and books) after financial aid is
1. Berea College
Average net cost:
Location:
Undergraduate enrollment: 1,623
Total annual cost:
Average need-based aid:
Kiplinger's combined rank: #69
2. Brigham Young University
Average net cost:
Location:
Undergraduate enrollment: 27,765
Total annual cost:
Average need-based aid:
Kiplinger's combined rank: #58
BYU, which is led and supported by the Church of
3. Yale University
Average net cost:
Location:
Undergraduate enrollment: 5,430
Total annual cost:
Average need-based aid:
Kiplinger's combined rank: #2
If you manage to get admitted -- and only 7% of applicants do --
4. Amherst College
Average net cost:
Location:
Undergraduate enrollment: 1,785
Total annual cost:
Average need-based aid:
Kiplinger's combined rank: #11
A total of 60% of students who attend this elite liberal arts school receive need-based financial aid, in no-loan awards. Small classes (the average class size is 16), an eight-to-one student-faculty ratio, and access to more than 300 cultural events a year keep students intellectually engaged; 98% of freshmen return for sophomore year. Students who need a break from the books can ramble around
5. Thomas Aquinas College
Average net cost:
Location:
Undergraduate enrollment: 366
Total annual cost:
Average need-based aid:
Kiplinger's combined rank: #52
This Catholic college, which is surrounded by the
6. Harvard University
Average net cost:
Location:
Undergraduate enrollment: 6,722
Total annual cost:
Average need-based aid:
Kiplinger's combined rank: #6
The nation's oldest institution of higher education is surprisingly affordable for the students who meet its high standards (only 6% of applicants are accepted). More than 60% of students receive need-based aid, in no-loan financial aid packages. And that definition of need is generous: Families with income well into the six figures are eligible.
7. Pomona College
Average net cost:
Location:
Undergraduate enrollment: 1,612
Total annual cost:
Average need-based aid:
Kiplinger's combined rank: #9
With lush grounds and a stunning view of the
8. Washington and Lee University
Average net cost:
Location:
Undergraduate enrollment: 1,855
Total annual cost:
Average need-based aid:
Kiplinger's combined rank: #4
9. Williams College
Average net cost:
Location:
Undergraduate enrollment: 2,077
Total annual cost:
Average need-based aid:
Kiplinger's combined rank: #14
This liberal arts school, established in 1793, provides financial aid to 51% of students. Families with incomes of up to
10. Stanford University
Average net cost:
Location:
Undergraduate enrollment: 7,061
Total annual cost:
Average need-based aid:
Kiplinger's combined rank: #20
Only 6% of applicants get into this prestigious research university, which ties with
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Sandra Block is a senior associate editor for Kiplinger's Personal Finance. .