

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

Tracking College Closures and Mergers
Close to 80 private nonprofit colleges closed or merged between 2020 and 2024. Find historical data about college closures and a list of closed colleges and mergers.
July 1, 2025
Accelerated Online Doctoral and Ph.D. Programs
You may not find one-year Ph.D. programs online, but there are fast-tracked doctorates. Explore popular accelerated online doctoral degrees.
June 30, 2025Most Affordable Online Psychology Programs of 2025
A bachelor's in psychology lets you pursue jobs right after college or further your education. Find the cheapest programs to help you get there.
June 27, 2025
Report: What Cybersecurity Students Will Need to Navigate a Chaotic Job Market
In a survey, hiring managers for entry- and junior-level positions say they value experience and certifications over just holding a degree.
June 26, 2025
2-Year Accelerated Bachelor's Degrees
Discover the top strategies for earning your bachelor’s degree in two years or less, including online programs, transfer credits, and accelerated courses.
June 25, 2025