College Cost & Aid Estimator
How much do families like yours actually pay? Search any of 5,046 U.S. colleges and see the average net price (after grants and scholarships) by household income, next to the sticker price. Compare up to 3 schools.
Estimates only. These figures are averages reported to the U.S. Department of Education for first-time, full-time undergraduates who received federal aid — not a quote or an offer. Your actual cost depends on your family's finances, residency, housing and each school's aid policies. Use each college's official net price calculator (linked on every result) and compare your actual aid offers.
How to read the results
- Sticker price is the published cost of attendance for one year: tuition, fees, books, housing and food.
- Net price is the average cost after grants and scholarships, shown for five federal income brackets. Loans are not subtracted — they still have to be repaid.
- Public colleges report net price for in-state students. Some schools have no data for every income bracket.
Data source
U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, Most Recent Institution-Level Data file (released October 15, 2026; public domain). Cost and net-price figures are the most recent academic year the Department reports in that file. Graduation rate is completion within 150% of normal time. We refresh this data when the Department publishes a new release.
Closing the gap between sticker and net price is where scholarships come in — browse scholarships closing soon or no-essay scholarships, and check the federal and state student grants you may qualify for (Pell, FSEOG and your state's grant). Considering a certificate or apprenticeship instead? See trade school scholarships and how to pay for trade school.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between sticker price and net price?
Sticker price is the full published cost of attendance. Net price is what students actually pay on average after grants and scholarships, which is often far lower, especially for lower- and middle-income families.
How accurate is this aid estimator?
It shows averages from federal College Scorecard data for students who received federal aid, by income bracket. It is a starting point, not a quote. Each college's official net price calculator gives a personalized estimate.
Where does the data come from?
The U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (Most Recent Institution-Level Data, released October 15, 2026). It is public-domain federal data.
Is the estimator free?
Yes. It is free, needs no sign-up, and runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to us.
How can I lower my net price further?
Apply for outside scholarships. Our closing-soon list shows verified deadlines, and the calendar feed reminds you 7 days before each.