What's the formula for hitting the jackpot when it comes to merit aid?

Colleges have a "list price" of tuition. Don't let this scare you away from considering a private college education. Not only is the "list price" unlikely to be the price that you actually pay. In fact, a private college may cost less than a state school.

Learn about financial aid, need vs. non-need aid, packaging, scholarships vs. loans vs. work-study, gapping and more in our easy to read guide.

In this Ten Minute Professor we break down what Merit Aid is and how it is used to attract the best applicants.