Colleges and universities are now required to post net price calculators on their websites. The mandate is part of the Higher Education Act of 2008 and applies to all institutions participating in Title IV student financial aid programs. This edition of the Briefing Room contains the crucial facts about the calculator for colleges and counselors, an overview of the federal and private models, and interviews with a Department of Education official, a college admission officer, and a NACAC staff member involved in the development of the calculator.
Net Price Calculator: What you need to know
Information on the development, design and implementation of the calculator
Podcasts
Interviews with professionals who have a unique understanding of the calculator
Net Price Calculator: Know Your Options
A rundown of the federal requirements, as well price breakdowns and brief descriptions of private vendors
Download the Template: The Department of Education offers a free template with step-by-step instructions for implementation
Net Price Calculator Publications and Resources: The Institute for College Access and Success (TICAS) studies the current state of the calculators and offers recommendations to develop better applications.
The Bottom Line: Ensuring that Students and Parents Understand the Net Price of College: The Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance explains why understanding the net price of college is a vital step in the admission process.