Net Price Calculators
College costs can be confusing, but Net Price Calculators (NPCs) help you estimate what you’ll really pay after scholarships and grants. Every college offers one, and it’s a key step in smart financial planning.
A Net Price Calculator is an online tool offered by each college that gives you a personalized estimate of how much that school might cost after financial aid is applied. It looks at your family’s income, household size, and academic profile to show what aid you may qualify for long before you apply.
By using NPCs, students and families can compare schools based on actual cost, not just sticker price making it easier to plan and budget. These calculators do not require an official FAFSA but give a good early picture of what to expect.
Start here:
College Navigator (https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/) – includes links to NPCs for most U.S. colleges
College Board Net Price Calculator (https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/tools-calculators) – access calculators for many institutions in one place
FAFSA4caster (https://studentaid.gov/aid-estimator/) – estimate federal aid eligibility
Institutional Sites – visit each college’s financial aid webpage and look for “Net Price Calculator”
Quick Tips
Use NPCs early to avoid financial surprises
Compare 3–5 colleges to see real cost differences
NPCs give better estimates if you have recent tax info handy
Always double-check results with the school’s financial aid office