Are there colleges that offer financial aid for campus visits to low-income prospective students?

Yes. Some colleges do offer travel assistance or fully funded fly-in and diversity visit programs for low-income prospective students, though it is not universal. It is most common at selective private colleges and some liberal arts colleges, and less common as a standard benefit at large public universities.

The most generous programs usually cover transportation, housing, and meals for an overnight or weekend visit. Transportation support might mean a reimbursed flight, train, bus ticket, gas stipend, or arranged airport transfer. Some programs also include programming with current students, class visits, admissions sessions, and financial aid workshops.

There are usually two main formats. One is a competitive pre-admission fly-in program, often aimed at students who are low-income, first-generation, or from underrepresented backgrounds. The other is need-based visit assistance you can request individually through admissions, even if there is no formal program.

The best places to check are the admissions website pages for “visit,” “diversity programs,” “fly-in,” or “travel assistance.” If nothing is listed, email the admissions office directly and ask whether they offer need-based support for prospective student visits and what documentation they require.

Many schools want students to ask, and a short email is completely appropriate. You can say that you are very interested in visiting, that cost is a barrier, and ask whether any travel grants, fee waivers, or overnight hosting options are available.