Guides · Paying for college
How do I tell what a college will really cost?
The short answer
Look at the average price families at your income paid after grants, not the sticker price. Then run the college's own net price calculator, which uses your family's numbers. A college whose average for your income band fits your budget is worth a look, even if its sticker price looks impossible.
On this page
Why the sticker price misleads
The sticker price is tuition, fees, housing and food before any help. Most students at private colleges, and many at public ones, pay less because of grants and scholarships: money you don't pay back. A $90,000 college can cost a family earning $50,000 less than a $30,000 one.
The three numbers to compare
- Average paid by families at your income. Every college page here shows it for five income bands, from the federal College Scorecard. It's what families like yours paid on average, not a quote.
- The college's own net price calculator. It asks about your family's income and savings and gives a personal estimate. Every college has to post one; we link to it on each cost page.
- Typical debt at graduation. A cheaper college that leaves students owing $40,000 isn't cheaper. Look for the median debt on the cost page.
What to watch out for
- Grants that shrink after year one. Ask whether merit scholarships renew and what GPA keeps them.
- "Free tuition" with big fees. Housing, food and fees can be more than tuition at a public college.
- Loans in the offer. An aid offer can list loans next to grants. Only grants and scholarships lower the price.
What to do next
Open the cost page for each college on your list and pick your family's income band. It sticks for every college you look at after that, on this phone only. Then run each college's calculator before you apply, so you can apply to at least one you know you can afford.
Add your GPA and scores once and every college shows your odds and what families like yours paid. Free, no sign-up, stays on your phone. Build my list