84 Best Bet Public Universities for Meeting Financial Need

public colleges that meet 100% of need(Based on some readers comments, I just want to clarify that the schools on this list at the end of the post are only “Best Bets” for residents of the state. Out-of-state students shouldn’t expect any financial assistance from these schools.) If there is a list of the top three things families entering the college search process must know, one of them would have to be that very few colleges meet 100% of need. Just because the federal government and the institution recognize a specific amount of need doesn’t mean the student will receive a matching amount of financial aid. This is why lists of colleges that meet 100% of need are very popular.

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Resources to Help You Find Alaska Colleges

Where to Start Looking to Find a Alaska Colleges

Alaska Colleges Graduation ratesThe Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education website is the place to start your search for a college in Alaska. Given that there are only three four-institutions with 500 or more full-time undergraduates, there really aren’t a lot of colleges to search through. However, the website still provides users with valuable information

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Money or US News College Rankings: Which Should You Buy?

A person in a grey blazer holds a stack of US dollar bills in one hand and a blue tablet in the other, with more dollar bills on the table—perhaps planning for an affordable college education.

Chalk board with college rankingsIt’s that time of year again. Money Magazine recently released its listing of Best Colleges marking the beginning to fall college ranking season. The difference between the rankings this year is that students and families will have the option to pay for two of the rankings: Money and US News Best Colleges. The question is, should they?

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FAQ: What is the difference between early action and early decision?

girl in front of college representing early decision vs early action

FAQ-early action vs early decisionWhen considering early action vs. early decision, the major focus is on the fact that Early Decision (ED) is binding and Early Action (EA) is not. Binding means that if you are accepted, you agree to attend the college and withdraw or not apply to any other colleges. The reason to do so is that some of the most competitive colleges have much higher early decision acceptance rates. However, colleges where early decision acceptance rates are much higher than regular decision generally do not provide much in the way of merit aid. So students need to be prepared to pay their full Expect Family Contribution.

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Why You Should Visit CollegeData.com

couple using computer to read collegedata.com review

3 Steps to Show You Why You Should Visit CollegeData.com:

Couple looking at computer and reasons to use CollegeData.com in their college search

  1. Select College Match Search from the College 411 Tab Menu.
  2. Scroll to the Financial Friendliness Section. Under Merit Aid, check Include Only Students Without Financial Need. Select 30% or higher
  3. Scroll down and click Find

You now have a list of colleges where 30% or more of students without need receive merit aid.

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