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Free College Net Price Calculator

Estimate the true cost of college after financial aid. This college net price calculator uses a simplified federal methodology to calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), grant aid, and out-of-pocket net price.

Net Price Calculator

College Costs

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Family Financial Information

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$0.00
Total Cost of Attendance (COA)
Estimated EFC$0
Estimated Grant Aid$0
Net Price (Out-of-Pocket)$0
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How to Use the College Net Price Calculator

Start by entering the total cost of attendance including tuition, fees, room and board, books, and personal expenses. These figures are typically available on your prospective college's website under "Cost of Attendance."

Next, provide family financial information including parent and student income and assets. The calculator uses a simplified version of the federal methodology to estimate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Your dependency status affects the income protection allowance used in the calculation.

Once you click "Calculate," you will see the total COA, estimated EFC, grant aid, and your expected out-of-pocket net price. The breakdown table shows how each cost category contributes to your total.

Pro tip: Your net price is the most important number - it represents what you will actually need to pay or finance after grants and scholarships. Use this to compare colleges realistically.

Net Price Formula

The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is estimated using a simplified federal methodology:

EFC = (Parent Income − IPA) × 0.22 + Student Income × 0.50 + Parent Assets × 0.06 + Student Assets × 0.20

Where IPA (Income Protection Allowance) is $10,000 for dependent students and $15,000 for independent students.

Net Price = Cost of Attendance - Estimated Grant Aid. Estimated Grant Aid is based on financial need, with higher EFC resulting in lower need-based aid.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is the total published price including tuition, fees, housing, and other expenses. Net price is what you actually pay after subtracting grants and scholarships. Most students pay less than the published COA.
This calculator uses a simplified version of the federal methodology and provides an estimate only. The official FAFSA calculation includes additional factors such as family size, number in college, and age of older parent. Use this as a planning tool, not an official determination.
Yes, state of residence significantly affects tuition at public universities. In-state students pay substantially less than out-of-state students at state schools. Private colleges typically charge the same regardless of residence, though some offer regional tuition discounts.
If your EFC exceeds the COA, you are not eligible for need-based financial aid. However, you may still qualify for merit-based scholarships, federal unsubsidized loans, and private education loans. Consider appealing the financial aid offer if your circumstances have changed.