What costs should a college estimate include?
For planning, students often need to look beyond tuition. Federal Student Aid describes cost of attendance as a school’s total cost for attendance and notes that it can include tuition, fees, books, supplies, food and housing. Transportation and personal expenses can also matter when comparing the amount you may actually need.
Gross cost vs. net cost
The calculator first adds the annual expense categories to create a gross cost estimate. It then subtracts the grants and scholarships you enter to estimate net cost. Loans are not subtracted because they generally must be repaid and are a financing source rather than a reduction in the underlying cost.
How multi-year cost growth is modeled
The annual cost increase applies to the gross cost each later year using compound growth. The entered annual grants and scholarships are held constant in dollar terms, which is a simplifying assumption. If your aid is expected to change, run separate scenarios.
Use official school information
A school’s financial aid offer is the best source for the specific aid you have been offered, and official school cost information should be used instead of broad averages when available. Compare net price and other school outcomes before making a decision.
Frequently asked questions about College Cost
Authoritative resources
Use official institutional information for decisions and policies. These resources provide useful definitions or comparison information: