For example, the cost of a private institution, minus student aid, often is less than a public institution outside one's home state. Only athletes get scholarships. Only minorities get financial aid. Very little is awarded solely on the basis of students' race or ethnicity. Generally, students from racial or ethnic minority groups may be more likely to receive scholarships and other aid because statistics indicate they are more likely to have financial need.
Colleges charge whatever they want.
Tuition costs are determined in different ways. State policy makers generally set tuition for public colleges and universities. If state appropriations for a public college are cut, the college usually must raise tuition to meet their budget. Private colleges set their own tuition, but they have to construct tuition and aid policies that allow them to attract students and offer programs and facilities that keep them competitive. Knowing the president or the dean of a college may not necessarily get you a scholarship.