5 Quality Colleges the Middle Class Can Still Afford
Written by
Cynthia Measom
Edited by
Amber Barkley
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For some middle-class families, college isn’t just expensive — it’s overwhelmingly so. Tuition prices at private colleges have soared to as much as $90,000 per year, while some public university costs also continue to climb, making it ever-harder to fit into the family budget.
Unfortunately, families who are considered middle-class — those earning a minimum of $75,225 per year — earn too much to get big financial aid packages but not enough to easily cover their children’s tuition. And once other costs, like rent and groceries, are added in, it’s no surprise that many parents in this income bracket are stressed about paying for college.
Due to declining middle-class enrollments, some colleges are creating programs targeted at making tuition more affordable for middle-income families.
Check out these five quality colleges the middle class can still afford. Still too expensive? Check out the most affordable community college in every state.
Colby College
Colby College is a private liberal arts college in Waterville, Maine. Its most popular majors are econometrics and quantitative economics and political science and government.
The college is expanding its Fair Shot Fund to include middle-class families who have been “left behind” when it comes to accessing the education Colby College provides. The fund, which is backed by an anonymous donor gift of $10 million, aims to make things simpler and more affordable for families.
According to Colby’s president, David Greene, this strategy cuts through the complexities and allows families to see the maximum they will pay based on their income, NPR reported.
Families earning $75,001-$100,000 a year will pay no more than $10,000 for tuition, room and board. And for families making between $100,001-$150,000, tuition costs will be capped at $15,000. This $10,000-$15,000 is a huge drop from Colby’s typical $53,000 tuition cost for middle-class families after discounts and financial aid.
Rice University
Rice University in Houston, Texas, is known for its computer and information sciences and biology and biology sciences degree programs. Typical tuition is $60,709.
The university is helping middle-class families receive loan-free financial aid through The Rice Investment. Students from families who earn $75,000-$140,000 will receive full-tuition scholarships at a minimum. For families who might otherwise skip a private college due to cost, this program makes Rice a more accessible option.
Grinnell College
Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa, is known for the following majors: social sciences, biological and biomedical sciences, and computer information sciences and support services. Its typical tuition is around $72,000.
However, this Midwestern college understands that middle-income families often feel stuck because the calculations on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) often state they can afford to pay much more for college expenses than what’s possible. For students who qualify, Grinnell’s no-loan financial aid covers their financial need with grant aid and student employment, making it possible to graduate from Grinnell without student debt.
Liberty University
Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, has a much more affordable tuition cost of $24,650. Its most popular majors are business, management, marketing, and related support services; multi/interdisciplinary studies; and psychology.
To help defray costs for middle-class families, it offers the Middle America Scholarship for families earning $35,000-$95,000 a year. This program provides up to $6,395 annually and is stackable with other Liberty University aid, except for CE and DGIA.
Colorado College
Colorado College, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, lists its annual tuition at $70,734. Its most popular majors are economics, English, environmental science, political science, sociology and organismal biology and ecology.
To help with the high cost of tuition, middle-class families who earn $60,000-$125,000 do not have to make any parental contribution. However, this price break only applies to students admitted from Colorado.
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