How to read student debt data
Debt metrics describe defined borrower cohorts and should be read alongside completion and cost.
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.
Debt usually describes borrowers
Debt metrics often exclude students who did not borrow, so compare them with federal loan share.
Debt needs outcome context
Read debt with completion, net price, earnings, and program fit.
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.