Evan Castillo
Expertise
- Scholarly Article Reporting
- Free-Tuition Colleges
- Student Financial Aid
- College Closures
Education
- BA Journalism, BA Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Evan Castillo is a news reporter covering colleges and universities in North Carolina and beyond. He specializes in student-driven stories and speaks with researchers and university admins about studies regarding underserved populations.
Evan regularly updates our lists of colleges offering free tuition, recently closed colleges, and the largest donations to colleges and universities.
Evan joined BestColleges as an associate writer in 2022 after graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned a BA in Journalism and a BA in Psychology. As a student, he covered university policy and student stories in the student newspaper, The Daily Tar Heel.
While at BestColleges, Evan’s work has been featured in multiple news outlets, such as AOL, the Charlotte Observer, the Washington Post, Forbes, and the Miami Herald, as well as by schools like Purdue University, Ohio State University, and Gonzaga University. Two research journals highlighted his list of colleges requiring the COVID-19 vaccine.
Read Evan Castillo's Latest Articles
What Is an Accelerated Degree Program?
An accelerated program helps degree-seekers graduate in less time. Learn more about the requirements and benefits of accelerated programs.
February 20, 2026
Pell Grant Faces a $5.5B Shortfall. What Does That Mean for Students?
Current Pell Grant awards are safe, but an increasing funding deficit could bring eligibility changes for students as soon as next year.
February 18, 2026
25 Most Generous Colleges and Universities for Financial Aid
Despite having the highest average sticker price, the most generous colleges for financial aid are all private schools. Learn about how these schools aim to make college as affordable as possible.
February 17, 2026
Tracking College Closures and Mergers
Over 80 private nonprofit colleges closed or merged between 2020 and 2025. Find historical data about college closures and a list of closed colleges and mergers.
February 11, 2026
The Student’s Guide to Budgeting in College
Budgeting in college can relieve financial stress during your studies and set you up for success after graduation. Check our page on the best budgeting strategies for college students.
February 9, 2026
