Since the early 1980s, college tuitions have soared, and state and federal governments have sought new ways to help students and families meet the costs of attendance. Annual state and federal appropriations to traditional student aid programs have more than doubled in the past two decades. In addition, the federal government created the Hope…

The ways middle-income families pay for college are examined, based on a national survey of student aid recipients, especially traditional undergraduate dependent students. Information is provided on the mix between loans, grants, work, and family contribution, as well as the relationship between federal, state, and college-sponsored aid. Examples…

Information on financial aid, estimating financial need, managing money, and expenses at over 3,500 colleges is provided. College costs are based on the following: tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, transportation, and personal expenses. The following financial aid sources are examined; the Pell Grant Program, the Supplemental…