Colleges With the Most Students on Financial Aid

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 66 percent of all undergraduate college students receive some type of financial aid. However, a much larger portion of the student body receives financial aid at certain colleges and universities. In fact, the following colleges offer every student the opportunity to receive financial assistance in the quest for a degree.

Kansas Wesleyan University

Students Receiving Financial Aid: 100%
Average Grant and Scholarship Aid: $12,564
Average Student Loan Aid: $7,218
Tuition and Fees: $22,600

Located in Salina, Kansas, Kansas Wesleyan University is a private Christian college. KWU has 11 pre-professional programs, including dentistry, occupational therapy, veterinary medicine and mortuary science. In addition, students can create a flexible schedule by taking advantage of the many online and hybrid course offerings. With every student receiving financial aid, more students are able to afford the private college costs at KWU. In fact, KWU’s students receive over $15.6 million annually in total financial assistance. Most students at this university come from middle-income families with an average income of about $76,000. There are a number of on-campus job opportunities for students who want to earn money to help pay for their college costs.

Alvernia University

Students Receiving Financial Aid: 100%
Average Grant and Scholarship Aid: $12,929
Average Student Loan Aid: $8,446
Tuition and Fees: $27,950

Alvernia University is a private Christian institution located in Reading, Pennsylvania. This university’s Center for Student Success is a unique resource that helps students achieve their academic goals through advising, workshops, tutoring and career services. In addition, Alvernia offers seven study abroad programs in countries like Ireland, Italy and South Africa. At this college, scholarships can play a major role in how much financial aid a student receives. Alvernia’s merit scholarships alone can total anywhere from $12,000 to $17,000 per year.

Simpson College

Students Receiving Financial Aid 100%
Average Grant and Scholarship Aid: $18,783
Average Student Loan Aid: $8,402
Tuition and Fees: $29,529

At Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the college’s many study abroad programs. The college follows a 4-4-1 calendar (two four-month semesters followed by a three-week period called “May term”), which creates an opportunity for either travel or focused study during the final portion of the school year. Students complete seven “Areas of Engagement” courses as part of their curriculum to develop broadened perspectives and a sense of citizenship. The generous financial aid at Simpson, a college affiliated with the United Methodist Church, includes over $41 million in total financial assistance each year.

Marian University

Students Receiving Financial Aid: 100%
Average Grant and Scholarship Aid: $12,955
Average Student Loan Aid: $6,669
Tuition and Fees: $23,440

Located in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Marian University is a Catholic institution affiliated with the Franciscan order. A hands-on educational experience is a priority at this college; in fact, 96 percent of students at Marian participate in internships and research related to their majors. The college also encourages student service through their O’Meara Ferguson Center for Catholic Stewardship. Students at Marian can apply for one of the many scholarships offered through the university.

Mount Aloysius College

Students Receiving Financial Aid: 100%
Average Grant and Scholarship Aid: $10,494
Average Student Loan Aid: $7,332
Tuition and Fees: $19,520

Mount Aloysius College in Cresson, Pennsylvania, is a private Catholic institution. Students at this college participate in service learning programs, which encourage benefits for both the community and the students. At MAC, students can apply to the honors program, which includes a number of intellectually challenging seminars and enriching cultural activities. MAC awards over $5 million in scholarships each year, and many students participate in work-study programs. With tuition costs under $20,000, this is one of the less expensive colleges that offers financial aid to all students.

If you’re looking for a college that offers generous financial aid packages, consider these schools at which every student receives some type of tuition assistance. However, always be sure to calculate your net costs when researching financial aid options, including the loans you will need to pay back after graduation.

• Data source: National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator