College Affordability

College affordability is central to expanding opportunity and strengthening the region’s workforce.

Paying for higher education is a complex experience for both states, institutions and students and involves a mix of grants, scholarships, work-study, state programs, institutional aid, and responsible borrowing along with clear information about total costs and the steps required to access support.

A key early action for many students is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can unlock access to federal and state grants, work-study programs, and federal loans. But affordability goes beyond a single form. It also includes helping students understand their options, reduce financial barriers, and navigate the systems that connect them to aid so college and career training remain within reach.

MHEC helps its member states strengthen college affordability by advancing initiatives that improve access to financial aid and develop the frameworks for navigating the path from interest to enrollment. MHEC collaborates with institutions, state agencies, and regional partners to develop and improve sustainable systems that help states and institutions ensure that students find, secure, and keep the financial resources they need. MHEC’s work includes:

• Capacity Building: MHEC supports states and institutions in expanding their ability to improve affordability sharing resources and promising practices that help educators, counselors, and policymakers increase awareness of financial aid, scholarships, and cost-saving pathways (including FAFSA completion support).
• Data-Driven Research: MHEC conducts and shares research on barriers and solutions related to college affordability, including financial aid access, FAFSA completion trends, and strategies that help more students successfully connect with available resources.
• Collaboration with Regional and National Partners: MHEC works with state agencies and state and national higher education associations and nonprofits to coordinate affordability efforts. Through partnerships, MHEC elevates best practices, scales successful programs, and leverages shared resources to increase impact.
• Events and Webinars: MHEC hosts workshops, webinars, and community conversations to bring stakeholders together and explore innovative strategies to improve college affordability ranging from financial aid navigation and FAFSA support to broader approaches that reduce cost barriers for students and families.

Information & Resources

• Sign up to receive College Affordability updates from MHEC.

• Download a listing of State Scholarship and Grants – MHEC Region.