Tara Mier for Scholarship Institute

Financing higher education: Scholarships, grants, and financial aid

As college expenses increase, financial aid has become a lifeline for most students and families. According to Experian, for the 2024-2025 school year, tuition and fees ranged from $11,610 at in-state public colleges to $43,350 at private nonprofits. When you factor in housing, meals, and supplies, the total price tag drastically increases, with some students paying as much as $62,990 a year.

Scholarship Institute breaks down how to find and maximize financial aid for college.

Understanding the current cost of higher education

College costs are rising. The Education Data Initiative reports that in 2025, the average in-state public tuition was $9,750. Out-of-state students paid

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