Pursuing higher education in the United States has long been a dream for many students worldwide. However, the rising cost of tuition and associated expenses can make it an overwhelming challenge, especially for underprivileged students. For many families, the financial burden often becomes a significant roadblock in accessing quality education. Yet, there is hope in the form of grants and scholarships that help alleviate the pressure, making higher education more accessible to those in need.
In its latest report on top colleges in the US, Forbes highlighted several colleges and universities that provide substantial financial support to their students in the form of grants, particularly for students from low-income backgrounds.
Source: Forbes’ 2024-2025 America’s Top Colleges
Below is a detailed look at the top 10 US colleges and universities offering the highest average grant aid to students, according to the Forbes report.
Yale University, Connecticut – Average Grant Aid: $63,523
Yale University, one of the most prestigious Ivy League institutions, leads the list with an impressive average grant aid of $63,523 per student. This financial support is part of Yale’s commitment to making education affordable for all admitted students, regardless of their financial background. Yale’s robust financial aid system ensures that no student is required to take out loans as part of their aid package, meaning that students graduate without the burden of debt. The institution’s need-based financial aid is designed to cover not just tuition but also living expenses, books, and other essentials.
Dartmouth College, New Hampshire – Average Grant Aid: $62,293
Dartmouth College, another Ivy League institution, ranks second with an average grant aid of $62,293. Dartmouth’s financial aid program is entirely need-based, ensuring that students from low-income families can attend without facing significant financial hardships. The college’s generous aid packages are a vital resource for students, covering the full cost of tuition, room, and board. Dartmouth also provides work-study opportunities, helping students manage additional expenses while gaining valuable experience.
Harvard University, Massachusetts – Average Grant Aid: $61,801
Harvard University, known globally for its academic excellence, offers an average grant aid of $61,801. Harvard’s financial aid policy is one of the most generous in the world, ensuring that all students who are accepted can afford to attend. The university meets 100% of demonstrated financial need, and like Yale, it has a no-loan policy, meaning that all financial aid comes in the form of grants and scholarships. Students from families earning less than $65,000 a year are not required to contribute to their education costs, making Harvard an accessible option for students from diverse financial backgrounds.
Northwestern University, Illinois – Average Grant Aid: $61,716
Northwestern University in Illinois provides an average grant aid of $61,716. The university’s commitment to financial accessibility is evident through its comprehensive financial aid packages, which aim to meet 100% of a student’s demonstrated need. Northwestern offers a combination of grants, scholarships, and work-study programs, allowing students to focus on their education without worrying about mounting debt. The university’s no-loan policy is particularly beneficial for students from low-income families, as it ensures that they can graduate without incurring significant debt.
Colby College, Maine – Average Grant Aid: $61,714
Colby College, a liberal arts institution in Maine, offers an average grant aid of $61,714, making it one of the most generous colleges in the country when it comes to financial aid. Colby is committed to a need-blind admissions policy, meaning that a student’s financial situation does not affect their chances of admission. Once admitted, Colby guarantees to meet 100% of each student’s demonstrated financial need. Colby’s financial aid packages are comprehensive, covering the full cost of tuition, fees, room, and board.
Wellesley College, Massachusetts – Average Grant Aid: $61,328
Wellesley College, one of the top liberal arts colleges in the US, offers an average grant aid of $61,328. Wellesley is committed to ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent talented students from accessing its top-tier education. The college’s financial aid is primarily need-based, and its robust packages include grants that cover tuition, housing, and other essential costs. Like many other institutions on this list, Wellesley has adopted a no-loan policy for students from low-income families, ensuring they can graduate debt-free.
Columbia University, New York – Average Grant Aid: $61,061
Columbia University in New York provides an average grant aid of $61,061, making it one of the top universities in terms of financial support. Columbia’s financial aid office is dedicated to meeting 100% of the demonstrated financial need of all its students. The university also has a no-loan policy for families earning under a certain income threshold, which means that students can receive grants and scholarships without having to resort to student loans. Columbia’s generous financial aid packages make it possible for students from all walks of life to access its world-class education.
Stanford University, California – Average Grant Aid: $60,619
Stanford University, located in California, offers an average grant aid of $60,619. Stanford’s financial aid policy is designed to ensure that no student has to borrow to pay for their education. The university’s aid packages cover tuition and other expenses for families earning below a certain threshold, ensuring that financial concerns do not hinder academic success. Stanford is committed to providing need-based aid, with a significant portion of the student body receiving grants to cover their educational expenses.
Wesleyan University, Connecticut – Average Grant Aid: $59,825
Wesleyan University in Connecticut offers an average grant aid of $59,825. Wesleyan’s financial aid program is highly generous, meeting 100% of the demonstrated financial need of its students. The university’s aid packages include grants and work-study opportunities, allowing students to manage their educational costs without taking on substantial debt. Wesleyan’s commitment to financial aid ensures that students from all economic backgrounds can afford a high-quality liberal arts education.
Princeton University, New Jersey – Average Grant Aid: $59,792
Rounding out the list is Princeton University, which offers an average grant aid of $59,792. Princeton’s financial aid program is among the most generous, with a policy that replaces loans with grants so that students can graduate debt-free. Princeton meets 100% of the financial need for all admitted students and offers a no-loan financial aid package to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder academic opportunities. Students from families earning less than $65,000 are expected to pay nothing for tuition, and many students receive grants covering the full cost of their education.