Which colleges or universities give out the most financial aid?

I'm feeling a little stressed about the financial aspect of college. From your experience or knowledge, are there any colleges or universities that are particularly generous with need-based or merit-based financial aid?

Certainly, some universities are quite generous with financial aid and go great lengths to ensure their education is affordable for students. Here are a few institutions that are well-known for their substantial financial aid packages:

1. Princeton University: This institution promises to meet 100% of a student's demonstrated financial need, primarily through grants, which do not need to be repaid. Princeton has a robust financial aid program and no-loan policy, meaning your financial aid package won't be inflated with loans.

2. Stanford University: Stanford also pledges to meet 100% of a student's demonstrated financial need. Stanford especially targets families with an income below $125,000, as they usually don't have to contribute for tuition. Moreover, families earning below $65,000, typically don't contribute for tuition, room, or board.

3. Harvard University: Families with annual incomes below $85,000 are not expected to make any contribution towards their child’s Harvard tuition. Furthermore, families with incomes between $85,000 and $150,000 will contribute from 0-10% of their income.

4. Yale University: Yale provides a no-loan financial aid policy where scholarships cover 100% of the estimated Cost of Attendance for families earning under $75,000– eliminating the need for student loans.

5. Vanderbilt University: Known for its comprehensive aid program, Vanderbilt meets 100% of a family's demonstrated need entirely with grants and student employment.

However, keep in mind that these are all highly selective institutions. There are many less selective colleges that offer generous merit scholarships. Universities such as University of Alabama, University of Mississippi, and University of Utah offer substantial scholarships based on academic merit. It’s important to balance your list with a variety of schools, each meeting different needs and preferences. Always refer to the Net Price Calculator on each university's website to get the most precise estimate of what you might pay after receiving financial aid.