Dartmouth and Vanderbilt expand financial aid awards in an effort to eliminate student loans

Amidst rising college costs, several universities are expanding their financial aid programs to alleviate student debt for middle-class families.

Vanderbilt University is providing full-tuition scholarships to families with incomes below $150,000 through its Opportunity Vanderbilt initiative.

Dartmouth College has also raised its income threshold for “zero parent contribution” to $125,000 from $65,000.

These moves aim to ensure accessibility and prevent students from being discouraged by high costs.

However, even with these “no-loan” policies, students may still need to contribute expected family contributions and cover additional expenses like books and fees.

To explore affordable options, consider financial safety schools that offer more merit-based aid.

Use the college scorecard and net price calculators to research potential schools and communicate openly within families to set realistic expectations.

Experts emphasize the need for students and families to have financial discussions early on and explore a range of institutions to balance academic and financial goals.

By widening their choices, students can increase their chances of accessing higher education without the burden of substantial debt.