"College costs have risen significantly over the past few decades. When adjusted for inflation, public and private college costs have essentially doubled over the past 30 years. While many students pay less than the sticker price through financial aid such as grants and scholarships, the total cost of attendance remains a financial burden for many families," Credible reports.

... "Much of this aid is based on financial need and may come from the federal, state, or institutional level. It's important to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every school year so you're in the running for federal financial aid. Many states and schools also rely on the FAFSA to distribute aid."

"'Some schools that look expensive on paper may not be after grant aid is applied,' says Megan Walter, senior policy analyst at the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA). 'High-endowment and high-discount-rate institutions sometimes land at a lower net price than their sticker price suggests.'"

NASFAA's "Notable Headlines" section highlights media coverage of financial aid to help members stay up to date with the latest news. Articles included under the notable headlines section are not written by NASFAA, but rather by external sources. Inclusion in Today's News does not imply endorsement of the material or guarantee the accuracy of information presented.

Publication Date: 7/7/2026