Best colleges for Pell Grant students, by state
In each state, the four-year colleges where aided students from families earning under $30,000 pay the least after grants, counting only colleges where at least half of students graduate.
Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition · Source: College Scorecard and IPEDS, latest data · 872 colleges · Last updated November 15, 2026 · Next check November 16, 2026
Median price, under $30k
$16,089
A year after grants, at the median of 872 qualifying colleges.
College Scorecard, latest data
Key findings
- Under $5,000 a year
- 49
- Qualifying colleges this cheap for the lowest income bracket.
- States reported
- 43
- Each needs at least 5 qualifying colleges.
- Colleges compared
- 872
- Graduation rate of 50% or more.
Across 872 four-year colleges that graduate at least 50% of students, aided students from families earning under $30,000 pay a median of $16,089 a year after grants.
49 of these colleges charge them less than $5,000 a year.
The lowest is Washington and Lee University (Virginia) at $28 a year.
By state, the median ranges from $7,800 in West Virginia to $28,210 in Rhode Island.
State by state
Lowest price first in each state. Select a college to open its profile.
Alabama
12 qualifying colleges · state median $18,192 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of South AlabamaPublic | $13,027 | $16,801 | 45% | 55% |
| University of Alabama at BirminghamPublic | $13,073 | $15,630 | 39% | 66% |
| Troy UniversityPublic | $13,361 | $13,943 | 46% | 50% |
| University of North AlabamaPublic | $16,448 | $17,850 | 28% | 56% |
| Spring Hill CollegePrivate nonprofit | $16,940 | $21,545 | 34% | 61% |
| The University of Alabama Main CampusPublic | $18,067 | $20,202 | 21% | 74% |
| University of MobilePrivate nonprofit | $18,316 | $23,931 | 38% | 57% |
| University of MontevalloPublic | $18,479 | $18,760 | 36% | 56% |
| Auburn UniversityPublic | $19,536 | $25,424 | 15% | 82% |
| University of Alabama in HuntsvillePublic | $20,512 | $22,758 | 28% | 62% |
Arkansas
8 qualifying colleges · state median $16,228 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas Main CampusPublic | $12,718 | $17,571 | 21% | 71% |
| Arkansas State University-Main CampusPublic | $13,900 | $15,441 | 43% | 58% |
| University of Central ArkansasPublic | $14,394 | $16,423 | 46% | 54% |
| University of Arkansas at MonticelloPublic | $15,497 | $15,990 | 51% | 52% |
| Hendrix CollegePrivate nonprofit | $16,959 | $23,177 | 28% | 72% |
| Ouachita Baptist UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $17,472 | $25,343 | 29% | 66% |
| Harding UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $17,711 | $19,786 | 26% | 71% |
| John Brown UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $22,353 | $22,476 | 25% | 77% |
California
64 qualifying colleges · state median $13,911 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $1,067 | $12,307 | 22% | 92% |
| California State University-Los AngelesPublic | $1,364 | $2,385 | 70% | 55% |
| California State University-StanislausPublic | $1,658 | $3,565 | 60% | 52% |
| California State University-San BernardinoPublic | $2,331 | $3,946 | 63% | 53% |
| California State University-FullertonPublic | $2,620 | $5,115 | 53% | 68% |
| California State University-FresnoPublic | $3,925 | $5,418 | 62% | 58% |
| California State University-Northridge CSUNPublic | $4,429 | $6,346 | 61% | 57% |
| University of California-Berkeley CALPublic | $5,110 | $14,538 | 32% | 94% |
| California State University-Channel IslandsPublic | $5,195 | $8,534 | 52% | 55% |
| Pomona CollegePrivate nonprofit | $5,297 | $18,978 | 23% | 92% |
Colorado
7 qualifying colleges · state median $15,042 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado State University-Fort CollinsPublic | $12,291 | $22,247 | 24% | 68% |
| University of Colorado Boulder Main CampusPublic | $13,403 | $23,708 | 17% | 74% |
| Colorado CollegePrivate nonprofit | $13,592 | $27,951 | 16% | 86% |
| University of DenverPrivate nonprofit | $15,042 | $31,961 | 18% | 74% |
| Regis University-ColoradoPrivate nonprofit | $18,474 | $18,133 | 42% | 55% |
| Colorado School of MinesPublic | $21,504 | $32,901 | 17% | 82% |
| Colorado Christian UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $23,815 | $28,605 | 38% | 69% |
Connecticut
14 qualifying colleges · state median $19,496 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yale UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $1,256 | $11,340 | 24% | 96% |
| Wesleyan University-ConnecticutPrivate nonprofit | $3,557 | $23,014 | 14% | 90% |
| Trinity College-ConnecticutPrivate nonprofit | $7,222 | $37,004 | 16% | 83% |
| University of Connecticut UCONNPublic | $13,649 | $24,342 | 28% | 84% |
| Eastern Connecticut State UniversityPublic | $16,357 | $20,502 | 30% | 54% |
| Western Connecticut State UniversityPublic | $16,782 | $16,754 | 42% | 51% |
| Connecticut CollegePrivate nonprofit | $17,313 | $35,960 | 18% | 82% |
| University of Saint JosephPrivate nonprofit | $21,679 | $28,249 | 23% | 62% |
| University of HartfordPrivate nonprofit | $25,616 | $28,928 | 36% | 57% |
| University of New HavenPrivate nonprofit | $28,165 | $32,994 | 36% | 64% |
District of Columbia
7 qualifying colleges · state median $25,771 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgetown University-DCPrivate nonprofit | $10,252 | $33,661 | 13% | 94% |
| Trinity Washington UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $11,715 | $12,820 | 57% | 55% |
| George Washington UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $19,440 | $35,760 | 20% | 83% |
| Gallaudet UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $25,771 | $27,398 | 56% | 52% |
| The Catholic University of AmericaPrivate nonprofit | $27,245 | $32,543 | 26% | 76% |
| Howard UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $28,321 | $33,002 | 41% | 74% |
| American UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $28,397 | $41,302 | 18% | 75% |
Florida
32 qualifying colleges · state median $16,300 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chipola CollegePublic | $599 | $1,458 | 30% | 59% |
| University of Florida-OnlinePublic | $898 | $4,336 | 24% | 83% |
| South Florida State CollegePublic | $1,154 | $1,502 | 46% | 52% |
| University of FloridaPublic | $1,968 | $5,969 | 24% | 92% |
| Florida State University-Main CampusPublic | $4,332 | $8,605 | 25% | 86% |
| Florida Atlantic UniversityPublic | $5,257 | $10,394 | 37% | 64% |
| New College of FloridaPublic | $5,260 | $8,222 | 36% | 62% |
| University of South FloridaPublic | $5,565 | $8,648 | 33% | 78% |
| University of Central FloridaPublic | $7,870 | $11,516 | 37% | 78% |
| Florida Gulf Coast UniversityPublic | $8,096 | $11,555 | 32% | 57% |
Georgia
19 qualifying colleges · state median $18,299 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus GA TechPublic | $7,687 | $12,028 | 17% | 94% |
| University of GeorgiaPublic | $8,995 | $13,636 | 20% | 89% |
| Augusta UniversityPublic | $9,875 | $14,863 | 42% | 50% |
| Emory University-Main CampusPrivate nonprofit | $10,593 | $16,754 | 21% | 91% |
| Georgia State UniversityPublic | $10,899 | $12,365 | 57% | 51% |
| Kennesaw State UniversityPublic | $14,182 | $16,325 | 41% | 50% |
| Georgia Southern UniversityPublic | $14,331 | $16,785 | 40% | 54% |
| Georgia College & State UniversityPublic | $15,907 | $20,803 | 20% | 60% |
| Oglethorpe UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $17,121 | $20,156 | 41% | 55% |
| Piedmont UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $18,299 | $22,075 | 44% | 52% |
Idaho
5 qualifying colleges · state median $13,085 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brigham Young University-IdahoPrivate nonprofit | $3,292 | $6,560 | 24% | 52% |
| Boise State UniversityPublic | $13,022 | $16,035 | 22% | 61% |
| University of IdahoPublic | $13,085 | $15,321 | 28% | 60% |
| The College of IdahoPrivate nonprofit | $14,719 | $19,602 | 31% | 68% |
| Northwest Nazarene UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $25,523 | $25,262 | 36% | 60% |
Illinois
31 qualifying colleges · state median $15,394 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of ChicagoPrivate nonprofit | $394 | $16,776 | 17% | 95% |
| University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Main CampusPublic | $871 | $13,042 | 26% | 86% |
| Northwestern University-IllinoisPrivate nonprofit | $1,427 | $34,420 | 21% | 96% |
| University of Illinois at SpringfieldPublic | $5,392 | $7,528 | 44% | 53% |
| Saint Xavier UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $7,369 | $10,171 | 66% | 55% |
| Southern Illinois University-EdwardsvillePublic | $7,865 | $13,111 | 37% | 56% |
| Augustana College-IllinoisPrivate nonprofit | $7,890 | $21,153 | 28% | 73% |
| University of Illinois at ChicagoPublic | $9,536 | $9,540 | 53% | 61% |
| Southern Illinois University-CarbondalePublic | $10,536 | $12,554 | 44% | 59% |
| Illinois CollegePrivate nonprofit | $11,937 | $18,763 | 41% | 61% |
Indiana
27 qualifying colleges · state median $16,378 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana University-IndianapolisPublic | $5,591 | $9,479 | 43% | 54% |
| Purdue University-Main CampusPublic | $6,147 | $14,851 | 16% | 84% |
| Indiana University-Bloomington Main CampusPublic | $6,683 | $16,003 | 20% | 80% |
| Ball State UniversityPublic | $8,013 | $13,877 | 38% | 62% |
| University of Notre Dame-South Bend INPrivate nonprofit | $8,380 | $25,339 | 17% | 95% |
| University of Southern IndianaPublic | $8,789 | $13,373 | 26% | 52% |
| Goshen CollegePrivate nonprofit | $11,945 | $13,404 | 42% | 59% |
| Grace College and Theological Seminary-IndianaPrivate nonprofit | $13,154 | $18,473 | 36% | 60% |
| DePauw University-IndianaPrivate nonprofit | $13,331 | $19,916 | 20% | 78% |
| Huntington University-IndianaPrivate nonprofit | $13,620 | $18,258 | 27% | 59% |
Iowa
17 qualifying colleges · state median $17,579 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grinnell CollegePrivate nonprofit | $8,161 | $15,203 | 22% | 86% |
| University of Northern IowaPublic | $11,415 | $16,038 | 28% | 69% |
| Coe CollegePrivate nonprofit | $12,807 | $18,647 | 39% | 60% |
| Luther CollegePrivate nonprofit | $15,244 | $23,945 | 23% | 65% |
| University of IowaPublic | $15,353 | $22,508 | 20% | 76% |
| Buena Vista UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $15,520 | $18,855 | 48% | 58% |
| Central College-IowaPrivate nonprofit | $16,038 | $22,894 | 23% | 59% |
| Simpson College-IowaPrivate nonprofit | $16,952 | $20,460 | 40% | 63% |
| Wartburg CollegePrivate nonprofit | $17,579 | $23,374 | 28% | 68% |
| Cornell College-IowaPrivate nonprofit | $18,469 | $25,297 | 35% | 60% |
Kansas
11 qualifying colleges · state median $15,100 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wichita State UniversityPublic | $7,530 | $10,307 | 35% | 52% |
| Washburn UniversityPublic | $9,829 | $11,023 | 39% | 52% |
| Emporia State UniversityPublic | $10,679 | $14,364 | 36% | 57% |
| Kansas State UniversityPublic | $12,650 | $18,210 | 24% | 71% |
| Fort Hays State UniversityPublic | $14,011 | $16,333 | 26% | 53% |
| Newman UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $15,100 | $17,430 | 14% | 53% |
| University of KansasPublic | $15,379 | $20,004 | 23% | 70% |
| Benedictine College-KansasPrivate nonprofit | $20,106 | $24,687 | 22% | 65% |
| Baker UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $20,613 | $25,038 | 26% | 55% |
| Friends UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $24,582 | $26,384 | 34% | 51% |
Kentucky
10 qualifying colleges · state median $11,983 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berea CollegePrivate nonprofit | $5,373 | $5,836 | 84% | 66% |
| Northern Kentucky UniversityPublic | $6,260 | $8,976 | 31% | 54% |
| Murray State University-KentuckyPublic | $7,357 | $7,350 | 37% | 60% |
| Eastern Kentucky UniversityPublic | $10,080 | $11,925 | 47% | 51% |
| Centre CollegePrivate nonprofit | $11,861 | $19,980 | 30% | 79% |
| University of LouisvillePublic | $12,104 | $14,960 | 34% | 60% |
| University of KentuckyPublic | $12,528 | $18,868 | 25% | 72% |
| Bellarmine UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $13,356 | $17,991 | 38% | 71% |
| Transylvania UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $14,793 | $21,954 | 31% | 65% |
| Asbury UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $18,484 | — | 30% | 65% |
Louisiana
10 qualifying colleges · state median $16,176 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Tech UniversityPublic | $9,657 | $11,959 | 25% | 61% |
| University of Louisiana at MonroePublic | $11,583 | $12,218 | 38% | 51% |
| Nicholls State University-LouisianaPublic | $11,693 | $13,357 | 39% | 51% |
| University of Louisiana at Lafayette Main CampusPublic | $12,120 | $14,924 | 45% | 52% |
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College LSUPublic | $14,670 | $19,286 | 32% | 68% |
| Xavier University of LouisianaPrivate nonprofit | $17,682 | $19,722 | 60% | 55% |
| Loyola University New OrleansPrivate nonprofit | $17,795 | $21,888 | 43% | 61% |
| Centenary College of LouisianaPrivate nonprofit | $22,490 | — | 39% | 57% |
| Tulane University of LouisianaPrivate nonprofit | $23,823 | $40,693 | 14% | 87% |
| Dillard UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $26,108 | $26,363 | 72% | 51% |
Maine
9 qualifying colleges · state median $14,300 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bates CollegePrivate nonprofit | $1,899 | $27,390 | 14% | 88% |
| Bowdoin CollegePrivate nonprofit | $3,318 | $15,595 | 20% | 93% |
| Colby College-MainePrivate nonprofit | $5,263 | $19,835 | 16% | 87% |
| University of Maine Main CampusPublic | $13,222 | $17,224 | 27% | 57% |
| Maine Maritime AcademyPublic | $14,300 | $21,078 | 28% | 58% |
| Husson UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $16,332 | $22,146 | 44% | 60% |
| Thomas CollegePrivate nonprofit | $17,623 | $23,739 | 20% | 58% |
| Saint Joseph's College of MainePrivate nonprofit | $23,325 | $29,029 | 29% | 56% |
| University of New EnglandPrivate nonprofit | $31,879 | $38,617 | 14% | 62% |
Maryland
13 qualifying colleges · state median $8,938 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Maryland-College Park Main CampusPublic | $1,141 | $14,296 | 22% | 88% |
| Johns Hopkins UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $1,772 | $18,431 | 23% | 93% |
| Towson UniversityPublic | $6,506 | $18,120 | 39% | 67% |
| St. Mary's College of MarylandPublic | $6,633 | $20,956 | 23% | 65% |
| Mount St. Mary's UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $7,210 | $19,294 | 35% | 61% |
| Hood CollegePrivate nonprofit | $8,587 | $21,548 | 39% | 54% |
| McDaniel CollegePrivate nonprofit | $8,938 | $22,980 | 40% | 56% |
| Salisbury UniversityPublic | $9,102 | $17,445 | 29% | 61% |
| Goucher CollegePrivate nonprofit | $9,747 | $23,169 | 37% | 56% |
| Stevenson UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $10,728 | $24,904 | 36% | 67% |
Massachusetts
43 qualifying colleges · state median $19,462 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Williams CollegePrivate nonprofit | $2,291 | $15,157 | 16% | 95% |
| Amherst CollegePrivate nonprofit | $2,424 | $19,536 | 25% | 93% |
| Smith College-MassachusettsPrivate nonprofit | $2,541 | $25,519 | 22% | 86% |
| Harvard UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $2,542 | $19,148 | 20% | 97% |
| Tufts UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $4,195 | $38,797 | 14% | 94% |
| Massachusetts Maritime AcademyPublic | $4,385 | $23,759 | 22% | 73% |
| Boston CollegePrivate nonprofit | $7,293 | $38,930 | 17% | 90% |
| University of Massachusetts-LowellPublic | $9,180 | $17,362 | 34% | 69% |
| Worcester State UniversityPublic | $9,813 | $13,866 | 34% | 57% |
| College of the Holy CrossPrivate nonprofit | $9,931 | $38,829 | 16% | 86% |
Michigan
25 qualifying colleges · state median $12,248 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Main CampusPublic | $3,155 | $14,362 | 22% | 93% |
| University of Michigan-DearbornPublic | $5,084 | $7,863 | 51% | 61% |
| Western Michigan UniversityPublic | $5,317 | $13,902 | 32% | 59% |
| Northern Michigan UniversityPublic | $6,162 | $12,759 | 34% | 54% |
| Oakland University-MichiganPublic | $8,052 | $11,815 | 39% | 58% |
| Saginaw Valley State UniversityPublic | $9,300 | $12,147 | 41% | 51% |
| Wayne State University-MichiganPublic | $9,694 | $11,212 | 51% | 60% |
| Aquinas CollegePrivate nonprofit | $10,413 | $19,678 | 32% | 56% |
| Albion CollegePrivate nonprofit | $10,470 | $14,673 | 49% | 57% |
| University of Detroit MercyPrivate nonprofit | $10,761 | $13,469 | 32% | 74% |
Minnesota
26 qualifying colleges · state median $14,050 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Minnesota-MorrisPublic | $1,259 | $10,989 | 37% | 58% |
| University of Minnesota-DuluthPublic | $4,583 | $17,395 | 22% | 64% |
| University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Main CampusPublic | $5,885 | $17,330 | 22% | 85% |
| Winona State UniversityPublic | $9,959 | $17,413 | 28% | 59% |
| Bemidji State UniversityPublic | $10,378 | $16,327 | 35% | 51% |
| St Olaf CollegePrivate nonprofit | $10,797 | $21,546 | 24% | 83% |
| Minnesota State University-MankatoPublic | $11,479 | $19,702 | 25% | 56% |
| Bethany Lutheran CollegePrivate nonprofit | $11,923 | $21,589 | 26% | 58% |
| Gustavus Adolphus CollegePrivate nonprofit | $12,078 | $24,148 | 24% | 77% |
| Carleton CollegePrivate nonprofit | $12,275 | $25,295 | 20% | 89% |
Mississippi
9 qualifying colleges · state median $17,042 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Mississippi Ole MissPublic | $10,536 | $13,752 | 24% | 70% |
| Mississippi University for WomenPublic | $11,320 | $11,452 | 46% | 53% |
| William Carey UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $12,083 | $13,507 | 38% | 57% |
| Belhaven UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $14,602 | $18,078 | 57% | 61% |
| Mississippi State UniversityPublic | $17,042 | $18,781 | 33% | 69% |
| University of Southern MississippiPublic | $19,673 | $21,172 | 49% | 54% |
| Mississippi CollegePrivate nonprofit | $20,248 | $21,034 | 33% | 64% |
| Tougaloo CollegePrivate nonprofit | $20,340 | $20,702 | 36% | 58% |
| Millsaps CollegePrivate nonprofit | $21,781 | $25,728 | 39% | 58% |
Missouri
22 qualifying colleges · state median $14,139 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington University in St Louis WUSTLPrivate nonprofit | $2,578 | $13,360 | 22% | 93% |
| Truman State UniversityPublic | $9,768 | $12,317 | 20% | 74% |
| Missouri University of Science and TechnologyPublic | $11,559 | $15,772 | 27% | 67% |
| College of the OzarksPrivate nonprofit | $11,750 | $13,114 | 65% | 63% |
| University of Central MissouriPublic | $12,031 | $15,554 | 30% | 52% |
| Drury University-College of Continuing Professional StudiesPrivate nonprofit | $12,182 | $12,743 | 69% | 51% |
| University of Missouri-Kansas CityPublic | $12,681 | $13,778 | 31% | 56% |
| William Jewell CollegePrivate nonprofit | $13,175 | $19,678 | 34% | 63% |
| University of Missouri-St LouisPublic | $13,402 | $14,990 | 20% | 62% |
| Missouri State University-SpringfieldPublic | $13,696 | $17,270 | 24% | 59% |
Nebraska
9 qualifying colleges · state median $16,144 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Nebraska at OmahaPublic | $10,182 | $12,898 | 39% | 51% |
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln Main CampusPublic | $11,449 | $16,214 | 27% | 69% |
| Wayne State College-NebraskaPublic | $13,302 | $15,534 | 28% | 56% |
| University of Nebraska at KearneyPublic | $15,830 | $17,891 | 41% | 62% |
| Nebraska Wesleyan UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $16,144 | $20,647 | 39% | 61% |
| Hastings CollegePrivate nonprofit | $17,870 | $22,320 | 32% | 54% |
| Concordia University-NebraskaPrivate nonprofit | $19,937 | $24,521 | 14% | 60% |
| Creighton UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $22,787 | $32,456 | 14% | 83% |
| Doane UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $26,679 | $28,885 | 24% | 59% |
New Hampshire
8 qualifying colleges · state median $18,024 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dartmouth CollegePrivate nonprofit | $1,399 | $26,707 | 17% | 95% |
| Keene State College-New HampshirePublic | $13,631 | $17,940 | 30% | 56% |
| Plymouth State UniversityPublic | $14,737 | $19,530 | 33% | 52% |
| Colby-Sawyer College-New HampshirePrivate nonprofit | $17,087 | $26,016 | 26% | 56% |
| University of New Hampshire-Main CampusPublic | $18,960 | $26,150 | 21% | 77% |
| Franklin Pierce UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $20,478 | $23,023 | 37% | 55% |
| Rivier UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $24,427 | $26,585 | 30% | 56% |
| Saint Anselm CollegePrivate nonprofit | $24,676 | $34,382 | 16% | 80% |
New Jersey
19 qualifying colleges · state median $13,218 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgian Court UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $6,227 | $18,380 | 37% | 63% |
| Saint Peter's UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $7,370 | $8,127 | 59% | 55% |
| Rutgers University-CamdenPublic | $7,480 | $15,732 | 49% | 61% |
| Ramapo College of New JerseyPublic | $8,185 | $16,382 | 31% | 68% |
| Rutgers University-NewarkPublic | $8,829 | $16,013 | 58% | 65% |
| Montclair State UniversityPublic | $10,117 | $15,193 | 53% | 66% |
| New Jersey Institute of TechnologyPublic | $12,394 | $18,783 | 43% | 72% |
| Caldwell UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $12,742 | $15,180 | 44% | 57% |
| The College of New JerseyPublic | $12,944 | $26,752 | 23% | 85% |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan CampusPrivate nonprofit | $13,218 | $17,923 | 23% | 53% |
New York
76 qualifying colleges · state median $16,218 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States Merchant Marine AcademyPublic | $1,410 | $1,516 | 8% | 78% |
| Columbia University in the City of New YorkPrivate nonprofit | $2,275 | $15,370 | 25% | 95% |
| Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and ArtPrivate nonprofit | $2,325 | $12,999 | 30% | 82% |
| Cornell University-New YorkPrivate nonprofit | $6,371 | $33,934 | 22% | 95% |
| SUNY Polytechnic InstitutePublic | $6,833 | $12,893 | 41% | 56% |
| Niagara UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $7,865 | $17,246 | 30% | 63% |
| SUNY College at PlattsburghPublic | $8,592 | $15,606 | 43% | 56% |
| Colgate UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $8,610 | $29,409 | 15% | 89% |
| SUNY at FredoniaPublic | $8,916 | $15,275 | 41% | 55% |
| Daemen CollegePrivate nonprofit | $9,053 | $19,350 | 49% | 59% |
North Carolina
19 qualifying colleges · state median $10,446 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Main CampusPublic | $2,212 | $11,305 | 21% | 91% |
| Davidson CollegePrivate nonprofit | $3,629 | $15,060 | 20% | 90% |
| Southeastern Baptist Theological SeminaryPrivate nonprofit | $4,782 | $8,500 | 25% | 50% |
| North Carolina State University at RaleighPublic | $6,149 | $16,486 | 23% | 85% |
| Wake Forest UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $6,242 | $28,165 | 12% | 90% |
| Duke UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $6,652 | $23,706 | 19% | 96% |
| North Carolina A & T State UniversityPublic | $8,284 | $9,884 | 57% | 56% |
| University of North Carolina at GreensboroPublic | $9,172 | $12,291 | 56% | 58% |
| University of North Carolina at CharlottePublic | $9,782 | $15,142 | 39% | 68% |
| Western Carolina UniversityPublic | $10,446 | $13,025 | 39% | 61% |
North Dakota
5 qualifying colleges · state median $11,857 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valley City State UniversityPublic | $9,997 | $13,748 | 21% | 50% |
| North Dakota State University-Main CampusPublic | $11,551 | $15,636 | 25% | 65% |
| University of North DakotaPublic | $11,857 | $18,131 | 20% | 61% |
| University of JamestownPrivate nonprofit | $16,904 | $19,440 | 29% | 52% |
| University of MaryPrivate nonprofit | $17,216 | $23,020 | 25% | 66% |
Ohio
39 qualifying colleges · state median $16,231 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youngstown State UniversityPublic | $5,441 | $9,161 | 36% | 53% |
| Ohio State University-Main CampusPublic | $6,061 | $17,269 | 23% | 87% |
| University of Akron Main CampusPublic | $9,514 | $13,072 | 34% | 53% |
| Cleveland State UniversityPublic | $10,230 | $13,754 | 46% | 51% |
| Ursuline CollegePrivate nonprofit | $12,047 | $17,186 | 50% | 55% |
| Oberlin CollegePrivate nonprofit | $12,176 | $41,987 | 13% | 81% |
| Mount Saint Joseph UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $12,793 | $19,231 | 31% | 54% |
| Malone UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $13,261 | $12,621 | 34% | 56% |
| Ohio Wesleyan UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $13,801 | $20,196 | 37% | 64% |
| University of ToledoPublic | $14,041 | $16,406 | 32% | 58% |
Oklahoma
7 qualifying colleges · state median $13,819 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of TulsaPrivate nonprofit | $9,403 | $13,511 | 30% | 69% |
| University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Main CampusPublic | $11,203 | $15,531 | 29% | 75% |
| Oklahoma State University-Main CampusPublic | $12,518 | $17,058 | 32% | 69% |
| Oklahoma Baptist UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $13,819 | $15,979 | 40% | 52% |
| Oral Roberts UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $21,317 | $29,244 | 35% | 55% |
| Oklahoma Christian UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $22,857 | $23,169 | 33% | 63% |
| Oklahoma City UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $31,364 | $36,514 | 29% | 56% |
Oregon
12 qualifying colleges · state median $18,676 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland State UniversityPublic | $6,255 | $8,337 | 46% | 53% |
| Lewis & Clark CollegePrivate nonprofit | $15,737 | $34,286 | 25% | 74% |
| University of OregonPublic | $15,917 | $22,547 | 25% | 71% |
| Reed CollegePrivate nonprofit | $16,122 | $32,800 | 16% | 74% |
| Oregon State UniversityPublic | $16,485 | $21,504 | 27% | 68% |
| Bushnell UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $17,171 | $19,624 | 43% | 58% |
| University of PortlandPrivate nonprofit | $20,181 | $28,803 | 31% | 81% |
| Linfield College-McMinnville CampusPrivate nonprofit | $20,669 | $24,882 | 36% | 62% |
| Willamette UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $21,139 | $25,908 | 27% | 71% |
| Pacific University-OregonPrivate nonprofit | $22,328 | $35,520 | 34% | 71% |
Pennsylvania
72 qualifying colleges · state median $18,594 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haverford CollegePrivate nonprofit | $4,081 | $31,075 | 16% | 89% |
| Swarthmore CollegePrivate nonprofit | $6,966 | $17,392 | 24% | 92% |
| Bryn Mawr CollegePrivate nonprofit | $7,183 | $44,593 | 17% | 83% |
| University of Pittsburgh-JohnstownPublic | $9,542 | $16,375 | 37% | 55% |
| Holy Family University-PennsylvaniaPrivate nonprofit | $9,924 | $12,882 | 46% | 67% |
| Wilson College-PennsylvaniaPrivate nonprofit | $10,248 | $20,699 | 28% | 55% |
| Lafayette CollegePrivate nonprofit | $11,822 | $35,879 | 14% | 85% |
| Muhlenberg CollegePrivate nonprofit | $11,831 | $25,253 | 29% | 83% |
| Westminster College-PennsylvaniaPrivate nonprofit | $11,983 | $19,484 | 32% | 60% |
| Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main CampusPublic | $12,288 | $17,391 | 39% | 52% |
Rhode Island
8 qualifying colleges · state median $28,210 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brown UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $39 | $26,976 | 17% | 96% |
| University of Rhode Island URIPublic | $15,297 | $22,469 | 25% | 72% |
| Salve Regina UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $27,034 | $36,528 | 19% | 73% |
| Providence CollegePrivate nonprofit | $27,565 | $49,594 | 15% | 86% |
| Roger Williams UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $28,854 | $37,645 | 21% | 67% |
| Rhode Island School of Design RISDPrivate nonprofit | $29,175 | $50,513 | 17% | 92% |
| Bryant UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $31,520 | $39,186 | 17% | 81% |
| New England Institute of TechnologyPrivate nonprofit | $36,592 | $39,333 | 46% | 55% |
South Carolina
15 qualifying colleges · state median $15,158 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal Carolina UniversityPublic | $11,069 | $15,287 | 30% | 54% |
| Bob Jones UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $13,197 | $14,632 | 38% | 71% |
| Winthrop UniversityPublic | $13,290 | $16,375 | 45% | 52% |
| University of South Carolina-Columbia Main CampusPublic | $13,832 | $22,197 | 23% | 79% |
| College of CharlestonPublic | $14,245 | $18,177 | 23% | 65% |
| Lander UniversityPublic | $14,542 | $16,659 | 45% | 50% |
| Clemson UniversityPublic | $14,943 | $22,032 | 18% | 88% |
| Wofford CollegePrivate nonprofit | $15,158 | $23,144 | 21% | 80% |
| Southern Wesleyan UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $16,818 | $16,041 | 48% | 52% |
| Furman UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $17,649 | $31,764 | 15% | 74% |
South Dakota
8 qualifying colleges · state median $17,857 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern State UniversityPublic | $13,929 | $15,279 | 14% | 52% |
| South Dakota State UniversityPublic | $15,233 | $19,362 | 19% | 62% |
| University of South DakotaPublic | $16,823 | $20,028 | 20% | 60% |
| South Dakota School of Mines and TechnologyPublic | $17,800 | $20,827 | 21% | 52% |
| University of Sioux FallsPrivate nonprofit | $17,914 | $21,417 | 36% | 64% |
| Mount Marty CollegePrivate nonprofit | $18,832 | $21,395 | 24% | 63% |
| Augustana University-South DakotaPrivate nonprofit | $19,685 | $23,283 | 23% | 73% |
| Dakota Wesleyan UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $24,500 | $24,039 | 27% | 54% |
Tennessee
22 qualifying colleges · state median $17,410 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanderbilt UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $3,637 | $15,497 | 25% | 93% |
| The University of Tennessee-MartinPublic | $7,582 | $10,211 | 38% | 51% |
| Middle Tennessee State UniversityPublic | $8,914 | $12,562 | 37% | 54% |
| The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Main CampusPublic | $9,626 | $18,314 | 22% | 74% |
| University of MemphisPublic | $10,110 | $12,192 | 45% | 53% |
| The University of Tennessee-ChattanoogaPublic | $10,407 | $15,026 | 39% | 56% |
| East Tennessee State UniversityPublic | $12,262 | $14,208 | 40% | 55% |
| Tennessee Technological UniversityPublic | $13,100 | $16,830 | 37% | 56% |
| Christian Brothers UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $16,427 | $16,842 | 34% | 55% |
| Carson-Newman UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $16,616 | $18,130 | 41% | 54% |
Texas
32 qualifying colleges · state median $14,932 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyPublic | $3,980 | $4,858 | 68% | 55% |
| The University of Texas at El PasoPublic | $5,623 | $6,803 | 67% | 51% |
| Rice UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $5,707 | $11,164 | 22% | 95% |
| The University of Texas at San AntonioPublic | $7,752 | $9,872 | 49% | 52% |
| University of Houston Main CampusPublic | $8,468 | $11,439 | 47% | 66% |
| The University of Texas at Austin Main CampusPublic | $8,979 | $18,554 | 29% | 89% |
| The University of Texas at DallasPublic | $10,562 | $15,271 | 32% | 79% |
| Sam Houston State UniversityPublic | $11,734 | $14,788 | 47% | 56% |
| University of North TexasPublic | $12,866 | $15,358 | 44% | 63% |
| Texas State UniversityPublic | $13,022 | $16,660 | 41% | 55% |
Utah
6 qualifying colleges · state median $12,313 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Utah UniversityPublic | $8,821 | $10,887 | 27% | 62% |
| Brigham Young University-Provo BYU UtahPrivate nonprofit | $9,893 | $13,397 | 35% | 81% |
| Western Governors UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $12,005 | $12,748 | 47% | 50% |
| Utah State UniversityPublic | $12,621 | $12,644 | 28% | 60% |
| Westminster College-UtahPrivate nonprofit | $21,284 | $22,516 | 31% | 64% |
| University of UtahPublic | $24,961 | $27,314 | 21% | 66% |
Vermont
6 qualifying colleges · state median $19,907 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middlebury CollegePrivate nonprofit | $7,548 | $32,102 | 19% | 93% |
| University of Vermont UVMPublic | $11,915 | $20,277 | 16% | 81% |
| Norwich UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $19,770 | $26,676 | 28% | 61% |
| Saint Michael's CollegePrivate nonprofit | $20,043 | $29,915 | 28% | 71% |
| Bennington CollegePrivate nonprofit | $22,350 | $31,507 | 31% | 70% |
| Champlain CollegePrivate nonprofit | $34,656 | $39,617 | 30% | 61% |
Virginia
26 qualifying colleges · state median $18,606 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington and Lee UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $28 | $25,279 | 14% | 96% |
| William & MaryPublic | $3,292 | $18,880 | 15% | 88% |
| University of Virginia-Main Campus UVAPublic | $9,479 | $18,056 | 19% | 94% |
| George Mason UniversityPublic | $9,594 | $14,697 | 34% | 66% |
| Virginia Military InstitutePublic | $10,028 | $15,585 | 21% | 72% |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityPublic | $11,378 | $25,808 | 17% | 86% |
| Christopher Newport UniversityPublic | $14,139 | $22,310 | 20% | 75% |
| James Madison UniversityPublic | $14,379 | $23,550 | 17% | 80% |
| Longwood UniversityPublic | $15,301 | $20,773 | 30% | 62% |
| Hollins UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $16,473 | $21,238 | 45% | 69% |
Washington
17 qualifying colleges · state median $15,180 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington State UniversityPublic | $6,750 | $13,462 | 35% | 63% |
| University of Washington-Tacoma CampusPublic | $7,236 | $11,900 | 48% | 60% |
| University of Washington-Seattle Main CampusPublic | $7,610 | $13,663 | 19% | 85% |
| University of Washington-Bothell CampusPublic | $8,974 | $13,802 | 33% | 68% |
| Heritage University-WashingtonPrivate nonprofit | $9,958 | $10,747 | 73% | 57% |
| Whitworth UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $12,276 | $23,009 | 36% | 67% |
| Western Washington UniversityPublic | $12,600 | $19,963 | 27% | 61% |
| Pacific Lutheran UniversityPrivate nonprofit | $13,627 | $20,652 | 41% | 64% |
| Whitman CollegePrivate nonprofit | $15,180 | $29,486 | 21% | 75% |
| Central Washington UniversityPublic | $15,410 | $21,201 | 31% | 51% |
West Virginia
6 qualifying colleges · state median $7,800 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Liberty UniversityPublic | $1,272 | $8,988 | 35% | 52% |
| Marshall UniversityPublic | $4,709 | $7,341 | 39% | 53% |
| Fairmont State UniversityPublic | $7,652 | $10,060 | 38% | 55% |
| Shepherd UniversityPublic | $7,948 | $7,940 | 31% | 50% |
| West Virginia Wesleyan CollegePrivate nonprofit | $14,161 | $17,980 | 46% | 50% |
| West Virginia University Main CampusPublic | $15,015 | $18,020 | 25% | 66% |
Wisconsin
22 qualifying colleges · state median $14,576 a year
| College | Net price, under $30k | Avg. net price | Pell share | Grad. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Madison Main CampusPublic | $3,424 | $16,600 | 19% | 90% |
| University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterPublic | $8,655 | $13,737 | 29% | 56% |
| University of Wisconsin-La CrossePublic | $9,261 | $17,064 | 17% | 71% |
| University of Wisconsin-Stevens PointPublic | $9,360 | $14,757 | 35% | 53% |
| University of Wisconsin-River FallsPublic | $9,442 | $14,703 | 24% | 58% |
| University of Wisconsin-Eau ClairePublic | $10,174 | $16,133 | 23% | 62% |
| University of Wisconsin-PlattevillePublic | $10,189 | $15,451 | 26% | 58% |
| University of Wisconsin-StoutPublic | $11,344 | $17,533 | 27% | 53% |
| Lawrence University-WisconsinPrivate nonprofit | $12,417 | $22,758 | 27% | 79% |
| Milwaukee School of EngineeringPrivate nonprofit | $14,061 | $27,027 | 29% | 63% |
Too few colleges to report (fewer than 5): Arizona (4), Delaware (2), Hawaii (2), Montana (3), Nevada (2), New Mexico (3), Wyoming (1).
Use this for your family
These are medians. Your price and payback depend on your income, your state and the college, so run the numbers for the colleges on your list.
Methodology
- Colleges counted
- Every college published on CollegesRef that is public or private nonprofit, in a four-year Carnegie class (doctoral, master's or baccalaureate), in the 50 states or D.C., with at least 500 undergraduates and both figures reported in the College Scorecard.
- Criteria
- A college must graduate at least 50% of students and report a net price for aided families earning $0–$30,000 (College Scorecard income bracket). Each state lists up to 10 colleges, lowest price first. Closed colleges are left out.
3 more notes: exclusions, reporting threshold, definitions
- Exclusions
- For-profit colleges, two-year colleges, special-focus institutions, colleges with fewer undergraduates than the minimum, U.S. territories and colleges missing either figure are left out. Earnings figures without a federal reporting year are excluded.
- Reporting threshold
- A state is reported only when at least 5 colleges qualify; smaller states are named below the list.
- Definitions
- Pell share is the share of undergraduates receiving a federal Pell Grant. Median earnings are former students' earnings ten years after entry (College Scorecard MD_EARN_WNE_P10). Average net price is cost of attendance minus average grants for aided first-time, full-time students (NPT4). Median debt is federal loan debt at graduation (GRAD_DEBT_MDN). Graduation rate is the IPEDS rate reported in the Scorecard.
Read the CollegesRef methodology for how college data is checked, or browse all data stories.
Sources
- Data
- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, which reports these figures from the IPEDS surveys and federal student aid records; Carnegie classes from IPEDS.
- Edition
- 2026–27, data verified Nov 2026
- Source data
- Latest College Scorecard release
- Last updated
- November 15, 2026
- Next check
- November 16, 2026. The figures are recomputed weekly and change only when the federal data does.
- License
- Federal data is a U.S. government work in the public domain. CollegesRef's tables, charts and CSV are free to reuse under CC BY 4.0 with a link to this page.
- Downloads
- CSVMarkdown (for AI tools)
Frequently asked questions
Short answers about how the numbers work.
What does a Pell Grant student pay at these colleges?
The figure is the average net price for aided students from families earning under $30,000, after grants. Across 872 qualifying colleges the median is $16,089 a year.
Why is a graduation-rate floor used?
A low price helps little if most students never finish. Requiring at least half of students to graduate keeps the lists to colleges where the typical student completes a degree.
Why is my state missing?
A state needs at least 5 qualifying colleges. Arizona, Delaware, Hawaii, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Wyoming fell below that line.
How to cite
Credit CollegesRef and link to this story; the CSV above carries every figure on this page. Free to reuse under CC BY 4.0 with a visible link to this page. Questions go to Data and press.
Related guides and tools
Step-by-step explanations of the figures, written from the same federal data.