Sep 21, 2013 05:54 AM EDT By Staff Reporter, UniversityHerald Reporter

Private colleges and universities known for their costly tuition repel most of the middle and lower class families from applying to the institutions. Normally the fees at any university are around $50,000 without considering grants and scholarships. However, there are a few colleges that offer good education at affordable costs.

Over the years, some higher educational institutions have been introducing lower tuition prices to attract prospective students and increase the revenue.

According to US News &Wold Report, Columbia University in New York introduced $49,138 in tuition and fees for the 2013-2014 academic year, and Vassar College in New York and Trinity College in Connecticut charged around $47,890 and $47,510, respectively.

The average tuition and fees at private schools for the 2013-2014 academic year was estimated to be nearly $30,500.

The ranking agency conducted a survey to find the least expensive colleges and universities. They found that eight of the top 10 are located south of the Mason-Dixon Line, including Berea College in Kentucky.

The Kentucky College topped the list as the tuition costs around $1,070 for the 2013-2014 academic year. Most of the students work on campus in exchange for free tuition, while some of them become eligible for financial aid.

Below are the 10 least expensive private colleges and universities for the 2013-2014 academic year. Colleges and Universities that failed to submit sufficient data to U.S. News were not considered for the report.

School name (state)                                         2013-2014 tuition and fees         

Berea College (KY)                                            $1,070                  

Brigham Young University-Provo (UT)                $4,850                

Rust College (MS)                                              $8,900                

Lane College (TN)                                              $9,180                

Life University (GA)                                            $9,747  

Tougaloo College (MS)                                      $10,210               

Park University (MO)                                         $10,600               

Alice Lloyd College (KY)                                    $10,620              

William Carey University (MS)                            $10,800             

Allen University (SC)                                          $11,940

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