According to Affordable Colleges, only nine states offer prepaid tuition plans. Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more.

Financial aid falls under two categories: merit-based and need-based. Universities and colleges distribute merit aid based on academic and talent achievements rather than a family's household income.

Washburn University was among Kansas's top 10 "best value colleges," according to SmartAsset, an American financial technology company. "This survey reflects data gathered prior to recent ...