How much does college really cost?

The sticker price at top private universities is $80,000-$90,000 per year, but most families pay far less. The net price (what you actually pay after grants and scholarships) depends on your family income, assets, and each school's financial aid policy. At schools that meet full demonstrated need, families earning under $75K often pay $0-$5,000 per year.

What is net price vs. sticker price?

Sticker price is the published cost of attendance (tuition + room + board + fees). Net price is what your family actually pays after subtracting grants, scholarships, and institutional aid. At many top private schools, the net price for middle-income families is lower than the sticker price at public state universities.

What does need-blind admissions mean?

Need-blind means the admissions office does not consider your ability to pay when making admissions decisions. Your financial situation has no impact on whether you are admitted. About 20 US colleges are fully need-blind for domestic applicants.

What does it mean when a college meets full need?

It means the school commits to covering 100% of your demonstrated financial need through grants, scholarships, work-study, and sometimes loans. Demonstrated need equals cost of attendance minus your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as calculated from the FAFSA and CSS Profile.

How do I estimate my college costs?

Use each school's official net price calculator (federally required on every college website). Enter your family income, assets, and household size to get an estimated net cost. Run it for every school on your list — net prices vary dramatically even among similarly priced schools.

Free tool

Net Price Estimator

See what 24 top colleges actually cost at your family income. These are estimates based on published net price data — always run the school's own calculator for a precise number.

Family household income (before taxes)

$0$100K$200K$350K

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Net Price Estimator