The University of Alabama Huntsville - Located in “The Best City to Live” according to U.S. News & World Report, this medium-sized public university is transparent about the scholarships it offers to both Alabama and out-of-state students. Its close proximity to The Marshall Space Flight Center and large defense and pharmaceutical companies makes it especially attractive to STEM students. It is transparent about the generous merit aid it offers to both in-state and out-of-state students based on test scores and GPA. 

Location: Huntsville, Alabama

Student Population: 6,223

Total Cost of Attendance (out of state): $39,368

UNC Asheville - While it is a public university, you’d hardly notice given UNC Asheville’s private college-like perks, such as small class sizes, challenging academics, and a beautiful campus. Students tend to be progressive and individualism is valued. Environmentalists will appreciate the school's commitment to the environment, such as having dining services offer a discount for bringing in a reusable cup. Outdoorsy students will love the location in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains where they can sign up for bouldering, caving, and whitewater kayaking through Outdoors Programs.

Location: Asheville, North Carolina

Student Population: 2,805

Total Cost of Attendance (out of state): $38,579

Belmont University - Located on a beautiful campus in the Music City next to Music Row, Belmont is known for its programs in the music and entertainment business as well its wide variety of other majors including nursing, business, architecture, entrepreneurship, experiential design, fashion merchandising, interior design, and many more.

Location: Nashville, Tennessee

Student Population: 6,330

Total Cost of Attendance: $58,305

College of Charleston - A state university located in Charleston’s Historic District, College of Charleston offers a collaborative and supportive community that appeals to students preferring a city environment with quick access to beaches. Not surprisingly, it's a great place to study Marine Biology. It offers the first bachelor’s program in Meteorology in South Carolina. Students interested in real estate should explore the new major in Commercial Real Estate Finance. 

Location: Charleston, South Carolina

Student Population: 9,230

Total Cost of Attendence: $31,153

Anderson University - South Carolina’s largest private university, Anderson is a Christian college with a variety of liberal arts and pre-professional programs including Elementary Education, Business (Supply Chain Management is a popular major), Communication, Cybersecurity, and health professions including Nursing. Students who’d like a Christian experience in college in the “friendliest city in South Carolina” might want to take a look at this hidden gem.

Location: Anderson, South Carolina

Student Population: 2,750

Total Cost of Attendence: $45,060

Agnes Scott - If your teen is interested in a women’s college, Agnes Scott has a lot to offer. Small classes, more money per student than most Ivy League colleges, diversity, and a beautiful campus close to Atlanta are just some of the draws. Celebrated for its strong science and math programs, the college also offers a well-known program in German Studies and a business management major. Students have a team of advisors through the Summit program, a leadership and development curriculum that includes a range of experiences over four years.

Location: Decatur, Georgia

Student Population: 1,050

Total Cost of Attendance: $59,445

Hendrix College -  Nestled in a small college town about 30 minutes from Little Rock, Hendrix is a small, liberal arts college with a lovely, modern campus. The college’s Odyssey Program ensures students take advantage of at least three engaged learning opportunities in and out of the classroom. The Tuition Advantage program offers students in-state tuition rates that match the published rate at their state’s flagship university and are fixed for all four years. For students interested in business, the college offers a major in Economics and Business and also offers a master’s degree in accounting.

Location: Conway, Arkansas

Student Population: 1,100 

Average Net Price: $67,510 (with an average net price of $20,778)