10 US Private Colleges Offering Scholarships That Cover Over Half of Tuition Costs

Rising tuition fees in the United States have made higher education one of the biggest financial challenges for families. The sticker price at private colleges can be intimidating, often exceeding $40,000 per year. However, the actual amount students pay is usually much lower because of generous scholarships and financial aid.

Many private colleges now provide aid packages that reduce tuition by 50% to 80%, making them more affordable than most people assume. For students considering studying in the US, these institutions stand out for their commitment to accessibility.

Here are 10 private colleges in the US where scholarships cover more than half of the annual cost of attendance.

1. Washington & Jefferson College (Pennsylvania)

• Average scholarship: $35,647
• Percentage covered: Over 80% of tuition
  Known for its small class sizes (12:1 student-to-faculty ratio) and strong liberal arts programs, this college combines affordability with an enriching academic community.

2. Berea College (Kentucky)

• Average scholarship: $41,626
• Percentage covered: About 70% of costs
  Berea is unique because it charges no tuition. Every student participates in a work-study program of at least 10 hours weekly, making it one of the most affordable private colleges in the US.

3. Albion College (Michigan)

• Average scholarship: $46,051
• Percentage covered: Around 66% of tuition
  Albion is popular for majors like biology, economics, and communication. Its 574-acre campus includes outdoor education land and an equestrian center.

4. Soka University of America (California)

• Average scholarship: $32,579
• Percentage covered: 60% of tuition
  Soka requires all students to learn a non-native language for two years and spend a semester abroad. Tuition already includes the cost of this mandatory study abroad program.

5. Beloit College (Wisconsin)

• Average scholarship: $41,931
• Percentage covered: 58%
  Beloit emphasizes small class sizes and is well-known for programs in geology, anthropology, and psychology.

6. Ohio Wesleyan University (Ohio)

• Average scholarship: $40,326
• Percentage covered: 58%
  With about 1,500 undergraduates, Ohio Wesleyan is recognized for majors in psychology, zoology, and sports sciences. It also offers collaboration opportunities with nearby liberal arts colleges.

7. Kalamazoo College (Michigan)

• Average scholarship: $42,259
• Percentage covered: 57%
  The “K Plan” at Kalamazoo integrates academics with internships, study abroad, and social justice work, ensuring students graduate with both skills and global exposure.

8. Lawrence University (Wisconsin)

• Average scholarship: $38,867
• Percentage covered: 56%
  Famous for its Conservatory of Music, Lawrence University combines liberal arts with strong music programs. Its trimester system also offers flexibility in learning.

9. The College of Wooster (Ohio)

• Average scholarship: $42,063
• Percentage covered: Over 50%
  Wooster is known for majors in political science, psychology, and computer science. Nearly all students live on campus, contributing to a strong academic community.

10. University of Tulsa (Oklahoma)

• Average scholarship: $36,801
• Percentage covered: 55%
  Tulsa is one of the few private research universities on the list. With a 9:1 faculty-to-student ratio, it offers strong programs in sciences and has produced dozens of Fulbright and Goldwater scholars.