A year of public college costs low-income families 40% of their annual salary now, up from 29% in 2007.

The schools that will help you avoid the wasted time and added expense of spending a fifth year (or more) in the classroom.

Sure, the No. 13 seed in the West is a long shot. But our March Madness bracket favors colleges that produce alumni who win the financial tournament of life.

There aren't many "super seniors" at these private schools, where almost every student earns a bachelor's degree in just four years—and avoids the high cost of a longer stay.

These top schools offer enough money to cover students' financial needs—and hand out award ample merit grants to high achievers too.

Want a bigger financial aid package now that you've been accepted to college? These four moves can strengthen your appeal.