As you and your family continue to search for your “Best Fit” college, no doubt the cost of each institution weighs heavily into that decision. With the cost of college continuing to grow every year and the amount of financial aid diminishing, students must be responsible and be a key part of the conversation in figuring out how much they and their families can afford. Every college is required to have a “Net Price Calculator” on their website so families can get an “Estimated Total Cost of Attendance” as a starting point. Use this tool to your advantage! Examples of Net Price Calculators:
Example Result of a Net Price Calculator’s estimated Costs for a Student
Once you have a rough estimate of how much a university will cost, consider how you plan to contribute to your higher education, and don’t forget to take into account things such as those “personal expenses,” such as your cell phone or internet bill, rugby team dues, or going out for meals. How do you plan to cover these costs? Do you plan to have a job or partake in a Work-Study program? Do you plan to apply for many scholarships? Start by being realistic about your and your family’s income and budget (over four years, not just one!), as well as considering your expected earnings after you graduate. Don’t take on loans you will not be able to repay!
An article published in “Inside Higher Education,” while more than ten years old, still demonstrates information that can be useful today. The article debunks the assumption that public universities are vastly cheaper than state or private institutions. It found that private university students actually spent less on education this year than they did four years ago. The 2008-9 version of the Sallie Mae survey found that families spent a total of $38,651 at a private institution, but the 2011-12 survey found that families were spending an average of $34,532, a drop of about 11 percent. “ In the public sector, students at two- and four-year institutions spend more than they did four years ago, and four-year publics saw an increase in spending over last year as well.” Look at the average graduation rate for your particular schools. Many public schools report graduation rates well into the 5-6 year range versus private schools, which may have an easier time graduating their students within 4 years. Private schools tend to also have a higher availability of merit scholarship money compared to their public school counterparts.
Bottom line: don’t dismiss a college simply because it is a private institution or out of state. Do the calculations and see what is best for your family’s financial needs. Attention Class of 2024 - FAFSA Delayed by 2 months: https://www.forbes.com/sites/edwardconroy/2023/03/23/updated-fafsa-launch-officially-delayed-two-months-to-december/#:~:text=The%20Department%20of%20Education%20(ED,to%20help%20pay%20for%20college.
Inside Education Article here.
College Board has a helpful Cost Calculator
A respected non-profit website with accurate information on financial aid, including a calculation tool to estimate your expected family contribution, is FINAID.