How to use net price when comparing colleges
Net price is closer to what students actually pay after grant and scholarship aid, but it is still an average.
Net price is not sticker price
Sticker price is the published cost of attendance. Net price is what students actually pay after grants and scholarships. It reflects the average for all students, including those who receive no aid.
Net price (average)
The average amount students and their families pay for college costs after grant and scholarship aid. It includes tuition, required fees, books and supplies, and living expenses.
Use it with graduation rate, debt, and program fit
Net price is just one piece of the picture. Colleges with similar net prices can have very different outcomes. Consider how much students finish, borrow, and earn over time.
Net price is not sticker price
Net price estimates what students pay after grants and scholarships. It is useful for comparison, but it is still an average.
Use it with graduation rate, debt, and program fit
Two schools with similar net prices can have different completion patterns, debt levels, program mixes, and locations.
Example comparison
This example shows three schools with similar net prices but different outcomes.
| School | Average net price (in-state) | Graduation rate (150% time) | Median debt (at completion) | Data status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Better U Beauty Barber Academy | $20,249 | 78.6% | $7,834 | Complete |
| Aaniiih Nakoda College | $7,887 | 34.2% | Not available | Complete |
| ABC Adult School | $12,465 | 29.3% | Not available | Missing some data |
How to use this data
Use search and filters to find schools you're considering.
Compare average net price across schools.
Look at graduation rate and median debt.
Consider program options, location, and your goals.