Buzz
As college tuition becomes increasingly costly, more parents and potential graduates are taking a more strategic approach to choosing their higher education. College Abacus helps future students assess and compare the costs of different universities.
Abigail Seldin, founder of the site, refers to it as "the Kayak.com of college net price calculators," according to Consumer Affairs. It's completely free to use, and here's how it works.
You begin by entering your preferred schools and providing some background information (such as your finances and whether you plan to live on campus). The tool then shows the 'sticker price' for each school, along with potential grant aid, and breaks down the cost into categories like tuition, room, and supplies. The displayed prices are annual figures.
By clicking on the details for each university, you can also find additional information about the costs involved.
The rate of graduates who default on their student loans
The percentage of students who complete their degree within four years
Details about SAT and ACT scores
The most sensitive information you'll need to provide is your zip code and birthdate. This tool is incredibly helpful for kickstarting your college search—try it out for yourself using the link below.
College Abacus
