Unnamed college
- Net price
- $0.00
- Sticker price
- $0.00
- Affordability
- Not available
- Program fit
- Not rated
- Location fit
- Not rated
- Personal rating
- Not rated
Still needed: affordability, program fit, location fit, personal rating.
Side-by-side college planning
Compare college cost and personal fit
Put 2–4 colleges in one view. Compare estimated net price, rate what fits you, and choose how much each factor matters.
No accountEditable anytimeCSV and print export
1. Add 2–4 colleges
Enter annual figures from each college. Names and tuition are needed for a useful comparison.
College 1$0.00 estimated net price
Required for affordability.
Gift aid, not loans.
Annual housing estimate.
Annual meal estimate.
Annual travel estimate.
Books, supplies, and personal costs.
2. Choose what matters to you
Weights must total exactly 100%. Ratings with a weight above 0 are required for a personal score.
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Total: 100% — ready to score
3. Review your comparison
Lower net price is better. Personal scores reflect only the weights and ratings you enter.
Add at least one more college to calculate affordability scores.
How the scores are calculated
The lowest valid annual net price receives an affordability score of 100. Each other affordability score equals the lowest net price divided by that college’s net price, multiplied by 100. Fit ratings are converted from 1–5 to 0–100, then each score is multiplied by your chosen weight. Results are not normalized when data is missing.
Scores organize your own inputs; they do not rank academic quality or predict admission, aid, or outcomes. Verify official figures with each college.
How to evaluate college options on equal terms
Comparing college costs requires looking at net price rather than published sticker prices. By entering consistent cost categories and gift aid for each school, you can see how far your aid goes across different institutions.
Evaluating affordability alongside fit
Cost is vital, but academic programs, campus location, and personal preferences also shape your decision. Rating each factor on a 1–5 scale allows you to balance financial limits with institutional fit.
Customizing factor weights for your priorities
Not every family weighs cost and fit the same way. Adjusting the percentage weights gives you full control over how much affordability, academic fit, and location influence the final personal score.
Understand the scores
College comparison FAQ
How is the affordability score calculated?
The college with the lowest valid net price receives 100. Other colleges receive a proportional score based on the lowest net price divided by their net price.
What does the personal score mean?
It combines affordability and your 1–5 fit ratings using the weights you choose. It reflects your inputs, not a universal college ranking.
Why is my personal score unavailable?
Weights must total exactly 100%. You also need two colleges for affordability and a rating for each factor that has a weight above zero.
Can I change the order of colleges?
Yes. Use Move left or Move right on any college. Sorting the results does not change the saved entry order.
Where is my comparison saved?
It stays in this browser for up to 30 days. Download the CSV or print a copy if you need it on another device.