MoneyPlainly
College Cost Comparison
Compare up to 3 schools side by side. Fill in numbers from each school's financial aid offer.
| School 1 | School 2 | School 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| School Name | ___________ | ___________ | ___________ |
| Tuition (per year) | $ | $ | $ |
| Room & Board | $ | $ | $ |
| Fees | $ | $ | $ |
| Books & Supplies | $ | $ | $ |
| Travel (home trips) | $ | $ | $ |
| Personal Expenses | $ | $ | $ |
| Total Annual Cost | $ | $ | $ |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $ | $ | $ |
| Grants & Scholarships (per year) | $ | $ | $ |
| Net Annual Cost | $ | $ | $ |
| Net 4-Year Cost | $ | $ | $ |
| Student Loans Needed (total) | $ | $ | $ |
| Est. Monthly Payment After Grad | $ | $ | $ |
| Avg Starting Salary (your major) | $ | $ | $ |
| Debt-to-Income Ratio | $ | $ | $ |
Quick Formulas
Net Annual Cost = Total Annual Cost minus Grants & Scholarships
Net 4-Year Cost = Net Annual Cost x 4 (add ~3% per year for tuition increases)
Est. Monthly Payment = Use a student loan calculator with your total loan amount at ~6% interest over 10 years
Debt-to-Income Ratio = Total Loans divided by Expected First-Year Salary (aim for under 1.0, ideally under 0.5)
5 Questions Before You Decide
Which school gives me the lowest net cost after all grants and scholarships?
What is the realistic starting salary for my intended major at each school? (Check specific school data, not just national averages.)
Will my student loan payment be less than 10% of my expected monthly take-home pay? (If not, reconsider.)
Which school has the strongest career services, alumni network, and internship pipeline for my field?
Am I choosing a school for the right reasons (outcomes, fit, value) or the wrong reasons (prestige, social pressure, campus aesthetics)?
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Use each school's official financial aid award letter to fill in the numbers above. Costs change annually.