College Financial Gap Calculator
The sticker price of a university rarely reflects what you actually pay. This calculator uses AI to estimate your net price based on family income, state residency, and historical financial aid data — then lets you compare schools side-by-side.
How it works
- Set your profile — tap the dock at the bottom to enter income, home state, and expected contributions.
- Search universities — use the search bar above to find and add colleges.
- Compare net prices — each card shows total cost, estimated free aid, and your final loan gap.
- Tweak estimates — override housing, scholarships, or other numbers on any card.
Why net price matters
Many private universities offer generous need-based aid that can make them cheaper than in-state public schools. By comparing net prices, you avoid being blindsided by hidden costs or predatory loans.