Why Private Colleges Can Be Cheaper Than Public Universities—If You Know Where to
When most families start thinking about college costs, they assume public universities will always be more affordable than private colleges. It makes sense on the surface—sticker prices at public institutions are often half that of private schools. But here’s the truth: many private colleges award far more institutional aid, making them a better financial fit when families plan wisely.
At Diversified College Planning, we help families uncover hidden opportunities where private schools offer more generous financial aid, merit scholarships, and tuition discounts than their public counterparts. These discounts are rarely advertised clearly and can vary by tens of thousands of dollars depending on your family’s financial profile, academic credentials, and how early you start planning.
Why private schools can cost less than public universities:
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Private colleges use institutional dollars to attract high-performing or high-need students
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Many public universities offer limited or no merit aid for out-of-state students
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Families with strong GPAs and test scores are often over-awarded by private institutions
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Private schools may meet a larger percentage of financial need—even for high-income families
When you combine these factors with a smart financial fit strategy, the results can be dramatic. We’ve worked with families who expected to pay $30,000–$40,000 per year at public schools but ended up with offers from private colleges under $20,000.
It all comes down to building a smart list and knowing where the money is. That’s where Diversified College Planning comes in. We help you compare true net prices—not just sticker prices—and uncover the schools most likely to offer your student substantial aid.
Contact Us Today: Want help identifying private schools that could offer you more aid than public universities?
📞 Call us at 770-662-8510
📅 Schedule a free consultation: Book with Jarad
Or visit our Contact Page: https://diversifiedcollegeplanning.com/contact-us/
