Compare two colleges side by side on cost, financial aid, and long-term value. Enter each school's numbers to see which offers the better financial outcome over your career.
| Metric | School A | School B |
|---|---|---|
| Total 4-Year Cost | $60,000 | $160,000 |
| Net Cost (After Aid) | $40,000 | $80,000 |
| Monthly Loan Payment | $424/mo | $849/mo |
| 10-Year Earnings | $630,513 | $745,152 |
| ROI | 1476% | 831% |
Total 4-Year Cost
Net Cost (After Aid)
Monthly Loan Payment
10-Year Earnings
School A
School B
Cost Difference
$40,000
School A saves this
Salary Advantage
$10,000/yr
School B earns more
Payment Difference
$424/mo
School A has lower payments
Focus on net cost (total cost minus scholarships and grants), not sticker price. A $60,000/year private school offering $35,000 in aid costs less than a $25,000/year public school with no aid. Also factor in graduation rates, expected starting salaries, and loan terms for a complete picture.
Sticker price is the published cost of attendance. Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships are subtracted. The net price is what matters for your budget. Every college is required to have a Net Price Calculator on their website for a more personalized estimate.
Not necessarily. A more expensive school might offer better career outcomes, higher starting salaries, stronger alumni networks, or specific programs that increase your earning potential. The best value is the school where (lifetime earnings gained) minus (net cost) is highest — which is what our ROI comparison helps you evaluate.
We assume a standard 10-year repayment plan at 5% interest on the remaining net cost after aid. The actual rate depends on whether you take federal or private loans. Federal Direct Loans for undergrads currently have fixed rates set annually by Congress.
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