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AidCalc
Total cost minus total aid — your real out-of-pocket college expense.
The average published tuition at a private university is ~$42,000/year, but the average net price after grants and scholarships is ~$15,000. Always calculate net price — the sticker price is what almost nobody actually pays. The FAFSA and CSS Profile are your gateway to institutional and federal aid.
Scholarships and grants are free money (merit-based or need-based). Work-study is earned income. Loans must be repaid — federal subsidized loans don't accrue interest while in school, unsubsidized ones do. Always maximize free aid before borrowing, and exhaust federal loans before private ones.
What you entered
Total cost of attendance
$35,000 + $12,000 + $3,000= $50,000Total financial aid
$15,000 + $5,000 + $2,000= $22,000Net cost (out-of-pocket)
$50,000 − $22,000= $28,000Result
Net cost: $28,000
The total cost of attendance is $50,000 per year. After $22,000 in aid, your out-of-pocket cost is $28,000 per year ($112,000 over 4 years).