At University of California--Irvine, 59% of full-time undergraduates receive some kind of need-based financial aid, and the average need-based scholarship or grant award is $20,935.

Paying for college doesn't have to be difficult or devastating. Go to the Paying for College knowledge center to get advice on raising cash and reducing costs, or use the U.S. News 529 Finder to choose the best tax-advantaged college investment account for you.