Educational content only. Rates, fees, eligibility and policy terms can change. Verify current details with the relevant provider or official source.
Start with net price
Published tuition is not necessarily the amount a student pays. Subtract grants and scholarships that generally do not require repayment from the estimated total cost of attendance.
Separate grants from loans
Financial-aid packages can include money that must be repaid and money that generally does not. Review each component and its conditions.
Count the whole cost
Housing, food, books, transportation and fees can materially change the total. Consider expected costs beyond tuition when comparing schools.
Think about future borrowing
Compare how much borrowing each school could require and estimate future repayment obligations before committing to a package.