Net Price Calculators in the college search

As students start exploring colleges, Net Price Calculators provide a good first step. The cost of attending is important because it lets students know what it will take to afford the school of their dreams.

Using a Net Price Calculator, students can get a more realistic picture of what they’ll actually pay, including the scholarships they may qualify for and their need-based financial aid eligibility. Knowing approximately what need-based aid they may qualify for based on  their family income, they then know how much merit-based aid they should aim for.

Another reason students should look at Net Price Calculators early in their process is that they have time to work towards their ideal financial aid variables. For example, a student with an ACT score of 27 and a GPA of 3.85 could receive an estimated scholarship of $22,000 at Cornell College, but if they got their ACT score up to a 28, they could receive $26,000. Exploring on a Net Price Calculator early sets sophomores and juniors up with ample time to prepare through studying and taking mock tests. Reaching their ideal score won’t just be a dream. They will have plenty of time to even retake a test. That may not be an option in their senior year. Students just starting to explore can play with the variables to see what they could work on to improve their financial aid package before they are ready to enroll.

It’s a great idea to walk through a Net Price Calculator with your students so they can get the hang of it. For most calculators, students will need their GPA, at least an idea of their entrance exam score range, and a basic understanding of their family’s financial information.

Keep in mind that many net price calculators are created for first-time, domestic undergraduate students. Others, like our Net Price Calculator, are also available for both international and transfer students. (And ours is even available for students interested in applying test-optional!)  

All schools offer Net Price Calculators specific to their institution on their website (including ours). You can use the U.S. Department of Education’s Net Price Calculator Center to find direct links to individual calculators. It is important to remember that all Net Price Calculators only provide an estimate, not a guarantee of financial aid.

Do you have questions about Net Price Calculators? Our financial assistance staff can help you out. Reach out at 877.579.4049 or financialassistance@cornellcollege.edu.