Cost of College

College is a big investment! Here are the things you should consider when anticipating your costs.

The Basics

What does it really cost to go to college?

College costs include tuition, fees, room and board, and other living expenses. It’s important to take all variables into account.

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How much should I budget for college?

Use college-provided cost estimates as a starting point, but adjust for your own situation.

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What is a college's "net price"?

Net price is the actual cost you’ll pay after grants and scholarships are taken into account. The net price can be paid using savings, income, or by taking out loans.

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How accurate are net price calculators?

It depends. Many won’t include merit aid, and they can often be either out of date or overly conservative. Net price calculators provide a useful data point, but your research should not stop there.

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Frequently Asked

Is tuition per year or per semester?

Most colleges present their tuition and fees together as an annual cost. Read about how to understand college costs.

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What percentage of parents pay for college?

It’s one of the most generous gifts you can give your son or daughter. But how common is it?

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Why does college cost so much?

College is an increasingly expensive investment. So what’s making the costs rise?

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What is included in room and board?

Learn about this big college cost category. (Sometimes, it’s more than tuition!)

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Are college expenses tax deductible?

There are some tax breaks available, but you'll need to read the fine print to see if you're eligible. Here's the list.

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Tools

What's the right college for you?

Take our fun personality quiz to get some suggestions about where to start your search.

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