College Net Price Calculator
Find the real net price of a college after grants and scholarships — the number that actually matters, not the sticker cost of attendance.
How it works
Net price = cost of attendance − (grants + scholarships) · Share covered = gift aid ÷ cost of attendance × 100
Net price is the cost of attendance minus gift aid — grants and scholarships you never repay. It is the number that actually predicts what a family pays, and it can differ wildly from the sticker price: a pricier college with generous aid can end up cheaper than a low-sticker school with none. Note that loans and work-study are not subtracted here, because those still have to be earned or repaid.
Worked example
A college with a $35,000 cost of attendance offers $8,000 in grants and $5,000 in scholarships — $13,000 of gift aid. Net price is $35,000 − $13,000 = $22,000 a year, meaning aid covers about 37% of the cost, and the four-year net price is about $88,000.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between sticker price and net price?
Sticker price (cost of attendance) is the full published cost. Net price subtracts grants and scholarships — the aid you never repay — and is what a family realistically pays.
Should I subtract loans from net price?
No. Grants and scholarships are gift aid and reduce net price. Loans must be repaid with interest and work-study must be earned, so a true net price does not treat them as free money.
Why can a more expensive college be cheaper?
A school with a high sticker price but strong endowment often gives large grants, while a low-sticker school may offer little aid. Always compare net prices, not sticker prices.
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Educational estimate only. Financial-aid, loan and tuition rules change and vary by school, state and program — confirm figures with your school and loan servicer.