How much will it cost to go to college? It’s one of the first questions students and parents ask when choosing a university. But getting a clear answer isn’t as easy as it should be. Universities publish tuition rates, yet few students actually pay that amount.
At PDF Guru, we know the question of college costs matters deeply to our own community. Many of our users are young people weighing their education options, as well as families with children preparing for college enrollment. Because we share that journey with them, we recognize how critical this decision point can be. To help, we built a Net Price Calculator that uses official US Department of Education data (IPEDS to give trustworthy numbers. We also discovered that this data reveals more than just costs — it highlights patterns in financial aid, enrollment, and admissions.
In this article, we’ve combined those insights into simple infographics so you can compare schools more effectively.
How the calculator works
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Start by filtering schools by type (public or private), state, and size so you only see the kinds of colleges you’re interested in.
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Adjust filters such as tuition range, graduation rate, and acceptance rate to narrow your options further.
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Select your family income range to see cost estimates that factor in the financial aid you’ll likely qualify for.
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Choose your residency, either in-state or out-of-state, as that can make a big difference in tuition.
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Choose your living situation (on campus, off campus with family, or off campus without family) to get a more accurate net price.
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Use the search bar if you already have a college in mind and want to look it up directly.
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Compare schools side by side to see how they stack up on cost, aid, graduation rate, and more.
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See instant results from over 1,500 colleges using real federal data.
If you take screenshots to keep track of your research, our JPG to PDF tool can help you save those images as clean, shareable documents.
Why net price matters
Sticker price doesn’t tell the full story. The listed cost of attendance doesn’t show what most students actually pay. Net price shows the average cost after grants and scholarships are applied.
Income and living situation affect costs. What you pay depends on your family income, whether in-state or out-of-state, and if you live on campus, off campus, or with family.
Comparing net prices helps you budget smarter. Two schools can have the same tuition but very different net costs. Looking at net price helps you find affordable options and avoid unnecessary debt.
If you're keeping notes or cost comparisons as a PDF to share with a counselor or family, our PDF to Word converter lets you turn that file into an editable document that others can review or update.
College infographics
While building the calculator, we realized the data revealed more than just tuition and fees. It showed which colleges are the most affordable, which schools enroll the most students, and how admissions trends shape opportunities. To bring those stories to life, we created a series of infographics that spotlight the best universities in the US in key areas — from low-income affordability and Pell Grant coverage to tuition levels, admission rates, and student yield.
Think of them as a quick, visual guide to comparing colleges, giving you a clearer picture of your options.
1. Most affordable universities for low-income students
St. Petersburg College, Florida, ranks as the best deal for low-income students.
What this shows: This infographic shows top universities in the USA ranked by how affordable they are for students from families earning less than $30,000 a year.
Why it matters: The price you see on a college website usually isn’t what you’ll pay. Net price shows the real cost after aid, which helps families spot schools that are actually affordable and give better support.
How to use this data: Use it to find colleges that actually make sense for your budget. The higher the school ranks, the less you’ll likely pay.
with the most affordable net price
| Chart | University Name | State | Net Price ($) |
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2. Universities with the highest Pell Grant coverage
Several universities top the list with 100% Pell Grant coverage, including Latin American Bible Institute, Trinity International University-Florida, Methodist College, and others.
What this shows: This map shows colleges ranked by the share of students who receive Pell Grants, the main type of federal financial aid for low-income families.
Why it matters: A high Pell Grant percentage means a college is serving more students from low-income backgrounds. It also suggests the school is more likely to understand their needs and offer meaningful support.
How to use this data: Use this to find colleges that serve a high share of low-income students. The higher the ranking, the more likely the school is to be serious about access and equity.
with the highest Pell grant coverage
| Chart | University Name | State | Pell Grant Coverage (%) |
|---|
3. Universities by enrollment
Western Governors University in Utah ranks first, with 185,015 full-time students enrolled in 2023.
What this shows: This US university ranking shows the largest institutions by full-time enrollment (2023).
Why it matters: Bigger schools usually offer more degree programs, student organizations, and campus resources. But they also tend to have larger class sizes and a different social vibe than smaller schools. Knowing how big a university is can help you figure out if that kind of environment fits your goals and learning style.
How to use this data: Start by asking what kind of daily experience you want. At the top, you’ll find huge universities with tons of programs and people. As you go down the list, schools tend to be smaller, with a different pace and campus feel.
If you save charts as images during your research, you can convert them to PDFs for easier sharing. Then, use our Merge PDF tool to combine everything into one file so your notes and visuals stay in one place.
with the largest enrollment
| Chart | University Name | State | Full-time Enrollment |
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4. Most generous universities (aid vs. tuition)
Antelope Valley Community College District in California ranks first for financial generosity, with a score of 12.58.
What this shows: This list compares institutional aid vs. sticker price. A higher score means more of the cost is taken care of through aid.
Why it matters: Colleges with high generosity scores are putting real money toward helping students. That means the price you see on their website isn’t what most students actually pay. Even if the tuition looks high, the aid can bring your cost way down.
How to use this data: Start by looking at how much help schools actually give. Colleges at the top of this list tend to give more aid relative to their costs, which can make them a better deal in the long run.
with the most generous aid vs tuition
| Chart | University Name | State | Generosity Score |
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5. Universities with the highest tuition fees in 2023–24
Kenyon College in Ohio tops the list with annual tuition and fees of $69,330.
What this shows: This list includes the US colleges with the highest sticker-price tuitions (2023–24). It covers tuition only, not housing.
Why it matters: These are the most expensive schools before any financial aid is applied. Seeing the full tuition cost helps you understand the financial commitment and compare it to how much support each college might offer.
How to use this data: Use it to spot high-priced schools, then check what kind of aid they typically offer. A big tuition number might be balanced out by generous grants.
with the highest tuition fees in 2023-24
| Chart | University Name | State | Tuition & Fees |
|---|
6. Universities with the highest admission rate
Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online in Texas, along with several other schools, admits 100% of applicants.
What this shows: This college ranking shows which universities accept the largest percentage of applicants.
Why it matters: High acceptance rates mean the school is less selective and easier to get into. They are often focused on access and flexibility, and they may be a better fit if you're a transfer student, coming back to school, or just looking for a smoother way to start college.
How to use this data: If you're looking for a simpler path to admission, the schools on this list offer that. They're generally more welcoming to different types of students and offer a wide range of programs to match different goals.
with the highest admission rate
| Chart | University Name | State | Admission Rate (%) |
|---|
7. Universities with the highest admission rate among men
Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online in Texas, along with several other schools, reports a 100% admission rate for male applicants.
What this shows: This list features colleges where male applicants are admitted most often.
Why it matters: Some schools admit men at higher rates because of things like program demand, efforts to balance gender, or targeted recruitment. This can help guys see where getting in might be easier, especially in areas where men are underrepresented.
How to use this data: If you’re looking for a smoother admissions path, this list shows where male students are most likely to get in. Just remember, getting accepted is one thing — make sure the school’s programs, support, and campus life fit what you need.
with the highest admission rate among men
| Chart | University Name | State | Admission Rate Men (%) |
|---|
8. Universities with the highest admission rate among women
Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online in Texas, along with several other schools, reports a 100% admission rate for female applicants.
What this shows: This list highlights schools by female acceptance rates.
Why it matters: A high acceptance rate for women can mean the school is more open or focused on creating a supportive space for female students. That might include women’s colleges, schools with inclusive policies, or places actively trying to balance gender through targeted outreach. It can also mean the school offers programs or services that make it a better fit for women.
How to use this data: Check this list to find schools where it may be easier for women to get in. Combine this with other factors like affordability, academics, and campus culture to figure out what really fits you best.
with the highest admission rate among women
| Chart | University Name | State | Admission Rate Women (%) |
|---|
9. Universities with the highest yield among admitted students
American College of the Building Arts in South Carolina is one of multiple schools with a 100% admission yield.
What this shows: This list highlights colleges where most accepted students actually choose to enroll. That percentage is called yield.
Why it matters: When yield is high, it often means the school has a strong reputation and students feel confident choosing it.
How to use this data: Use this list to find schools that students are excited to attend. Then look at other factors like financial aid, graduation rates, and what students go on to do after college, including jobs, salaries, and loan repayment.
with highest yield among admitted students
| Chart | Name | State | Admissions yield total |
|---|
10. Universities with the highest yield among men
American College of the Building Arts in South Carolina is one of several schools where 100% of admitted male students go on to enroll.
What this shows: This infographic highlights the colleges where admitted male students are most likely to enroll.
Why it matters: High male enrollment can be driven by strong STEM or business programs, sports culture, available scholarships, or simply how close the school is to home. These numbers give insight into what influences men’s college decisions and how those choices compare to national trends.
How to use this data: Use this list to see where admitted men are most likely to enroll. It’s a good starting point, but also consider cost, programs, and what happens after graduation.
with highest yield among men
| Chart | Name | State | Admissions yield men |
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11. Universities with the highest yield among women
American College of the Building Arts in South Carolina is one of several schools where 100% of admitted female students choose to enroll.
What this shows: This list highlights schools where admitted women enroll at the highest rates. Yield shows how many accepted students actually choose to attend, which helps identify colleges that have a strong appeal among female applicants.
Why it matters: High yield among women is often driven by factors like academic programs, support services, campus culture, and financial aid. It reflects how attractive and welcoming a school feels to female students, even if it doesn’t speak to academic quality directly.
How to use this data: Use this list to spot the best colleges that build strong connections with women students. Combine it with other things like cost, majors, and what students go on to do after college to get the full picture.
with highest yield among women
| Chart | Name | State | Admissions yield women |
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12. Universities with the lowest tuition fees in 2023–24
Haskell Indian Nations University in Kansas tops the list, with tuition set at just $600 for the year.
What this shows: This list highlights top colleges in the US offering the lowest sticker prices for the 2023–24 academic year.
Why it matters: Low tuition can make college much more affordable, especially at public universities where in-state rates are often lower. Some private schools also make the list by offering strong aid or competitive pricing. Paying less up front can help reduce student loan debt and financial stress.
How to use this data: Use this list to find schools with the lowest starting cost, but don’t stop there. Compare net price after aid and check things like graduation rates to get the full picture of value and long-term payoff.
with the lowest tuition fees in 2023-24
| Chart | Name | State | Tuition and fees |
|---|
13. Universities with the largest gap between in-state and out-of-state prices (on campus)
The University of Michigan tops the list, with out-of-state students paying over $40,000 more per year than in-state students.
What this shows: This chart highlights public universities where out-of-state students living on campus pay significantly more than in-state residents. Some differences exceed $30,000 a year due to state policies that prioritize local students.
Why it matters: If you're considering college out of state, this gap can dramatically increase your total cost. Even public schools can become expensive without in-state status.
How to use this data: Check this list to see how much more non-resident students pay. If a school you like is on this chart, look into regional tuition agreements or merit scholarships that might reduce the cost.
with largest difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition (on-campus)
| Chart | Name | State | Out-of-state price (on-campus) | In-state price (on-campus) | Difference |
|---|
14. Universities with the largest gap between in-state and out-of-state prices (off campus, not with family)
The University of Michigan again ranks first, with out-of-state students paying more than $40,000 above in-state peers — even when living off campus.
What this shows: This ranking highlights public universities where out-of-state students who live on their own (not with family) pay dramatically more than in-state students. The gap reflects both tuition differences and how housing situations impact total cost.
Why it matters: Living off campus doesn’t cancel out big price differences. Out-of-state students can still face much higher overall costs. This matters if you're comparing schools far from home.
How to use this data: Use this to understand how residency affects cost, even beyond dorms. Combine this data with aid info and your housing plans to avoid surprise expenses.
with Largest difference between in-state and out-of-state prices (off campus)
| Chart | Name | State | Out-of-state price | In-state price | Difference |
|---|
15. Universities with the lowest cost and highest admission yield
Several schools on this list, including Montessori Education Center in Colorado, report 100% admission yield along with exceptionally low tuition, making them standout options for cost-conscious students.
What this shows: These schools combine low tuition with high yield rates, meaning many admitted students actually enroll.
Why it matters: Colleges on this list tend to offer an affordable education and strong student support. Their mix of accessible costs and high enrollment can reflect financial aid, trusted programs, or clear missions.
How to use this data: If you're looking for both affordability and confidence in your college choice, this list is a smart place to start. Be sure to also check program outcomes like job placement and earnings to see if the value holds after graduation.
with the lowest cost and high admission yield
| Rank | University Name | State | Tuition & Fees | Admission Yield (%) |
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16. Universities with the highest tuition and lowest admission rates
Kenyon College in Ohio tops the list, with tuition over $69,000 and an admission rate of just 18%.
What this shows: Here you’ll see prestigious colleges with some of the highest tuition costs. They stay in high demand thanks to their reputation, faculty, and opportunities.
Why it matters: These schools can offer top academics, strong alumni networks, and career advantages. But the high price and competitive admissions can be tough to get past — especially without strong grades or financial aid. That said, a high sticker price doesn’t always mean you’ll pay that much. Many of these colleges offer generous need-based aid.
How to use this data: Look here if you're aiming for a well-known college. Use each school’s net price calculator to estimate what you’d actually pay based on your family’s income. Then compare that cost to things like graduation rates, job outcomes, and alumni success to decide if it’s worth it.
with the highest tuition and lowest admission rate
| Chart | Name | State | Admission yield total | Tuition and fees |
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17. States with the highest number of universities
New York has the most universities in the country, with 226 institutions across the state.
What this shows: This map highlights which states have the most colleges and universities. States like California, New York, and Texas top the list, reflecting their large populations and strong investment in higher education.
Why it matters: A higher number of schools means more academic options, price points, and transfer flexibility. It can also lead to more research opportunities, support services, and pathways to graduation. This variety gives students a better chance of finding a school that fits their needs.
How to use this data: If you’re looking for more options close to home, focus on states with the most institutions. Use the state filter to explore different types of schools and compare things like affordability, program choice, and outcomes.
Methodology & scope
All the data here comes from the US Department of Education’s IPEDS database (using the latest data from 2023–2024).
Net price = the average yearly cost after scholarships and grants are subtracted from the bill. It’s what first-time, full-time undergrads usually pay. (This doesn’t cover part-time, transfer, or most grad students.)
Colleges included = both public and private nonprofit schools. Some rankings also include four-year colleges and community colleges with undergrad programs.
Key terms
Admission rate → how many applicants a school accepts.
Yield → how many of those admitted students actually enroll.
Tuition & fees → the official charges for classes and required fees.
Cost of attendance → the total estimated cost, including tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, and other expenses.
Final thoughts
We hope these national college rankings will help you narrow down your university choice. For a deeper analysis of each school, you can turn to our Net Price Calculator. It’s free to use and based on official IPEDS data, which means every result is backed by government-reported information.
As you explore information about these elite institutions, you may find yourself compiling charts, notes, and other relevant data into a single document, such as a PDF. Keep in mind that merging many files can inflate the size of a PDF, but compressing PDFs will make the file smaller and easier to send or open.
When the time comes to move from research to actual applications, you’ll often need to handle all sorts of document forms and provide electronic signatures. To make that part easier, you can use our Sign PDF tool to complete and submit forms quickly and securely, without the need to print anything.