Concerned about the cost of private college? Don’t be. At 98 percent, almost all of Iowa private college and university students receive some type of financial aid, which includes more than $284 million in grants and scholarships.

In fact, according to a 2006 article in The New York Times, financial aid provided by private institutions, even to the upper middle class, has grown more than tuition – by 135 percent between 1993 and 2004 – and many colleges and universities provide substantial assistance to low-income students. Sit down with the admissions office and find out financial aid opportunities.

get the facts

About two thirds of all full-time undergraduate students receive grant aid. In 2008-09, estimated aid in the form of grants and tax benefits averaged:

• About $2,300 per student at public two-year colleges
• About $3,700 at public four-year colleges
• About $10,200 per student at private four-year colleges

Note: cost and aid figures are from the College Board’s Trends in College Pricing 2008, Trends in Student Aid 2008, and Education Pays 2007.

think financial aid

Financial aid comes in the form of:

• Scholarships: Free money earned through excellence in some areas like academics, leadership or in extracurricular activities.
• Grants: Gifts based on the financial needs of your family. There are all types of state and federal grants available. The Iowa Tuition Grant is a popular state level grant distributed to Iowa residents enrolled at one of Iowa’s eligible private colleges and universities. Your student could earn up to $4,000 per year for up to four years of full-time, undergraduate study. Learn more.
• Loans: Take advantage of low-interest loans available to Iowa private college and university students.
• Work-study: Part-time jobs that go directly to paying your tuition and fees.