For comprehensive 

information on federal 

student aid programs, visit 

StudentAid.gov. 

At StudentAid.gov, you will find 

information to help you determine what 

types of federal financial aid you can 

receive, whether you qualify for aid, how 

to apply, how to manage your loans after 

college and much more.

To order printed copies of this brochure, 

call toll-free 1-800-USA-LEARN 

(1-800-872-5327). Those who use a 

telecommunications device for the deaf 

(TDD) or a teletypewriter (TTY) should 

call 1-800-877-8339. 

To access this brochure on the 

Department’s website, visit 

studentaid.ed.gov/sites/default/files/

comparing-colleges.pdf

.

 www.ed.gov

The U. S. Department of Education’s mission is to 

promote student achievement and preparation for 

global competitiveness by fostering educational 

excellence and ensuring equal access.

Comparing

Colleges

A Guide to the 

U.S. Department 

of Education’s 

Tools for 

Students and 

Families

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Critical questions to ask 

when choosing a school

• What will I pay? What is my 

net price?

• How will I pay?

• Am I eligible to receive

scholarships or grants?

• Am I eligible for federal 

student aid?

• What is the graduation 

or completion rate for 

the institution?

• Will I be able to repay 

my loans?
College Navigator is an interactive website 

that allows you to explore and compare 

features of different institutions, including 

programs and majors, admissions 

considerations, campus crime statistics 

and more.

nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/

The Net Price Calculator Center provides you 

a tool to explore the net price of any given 

college – that is, the price after subtracting 

the scholarships and grants you are likely 

to receive. Then, you can easily compare 

estimated net prices across the institutions that 

you are considering.

collegecost.ed.gov/netpricecenter.aspx

As you navigate the college admissions process, the U.S. Department of Education provides tools for you and your family that make it 

easy to compare vital information such as college costs, average student loan debt and graduation rates across different institutions. 

To access the tools described here and more, visit the College Affordability and Transparency Center at collegecost.ed.gov.

Many schools will send you a Shopping 

Sheet if they offer you a financial 

aid package. The Shopping Sheet 

provides personalized information on 

financial aid and net costs as well as 

general information on institutional 

outcomes – all in a standardized 

format. This tool provides an easy way 

to make clear comparisons among 

financial aid offers that you may 

receive.

collegecost.ed.gov/shopping_sheet.pdf

The College Scorecard Net Price Calculator Center Financial Aid Shopping Sheet

The College Scorecard includes 

essential information about a 

particular college’s costs, its 

graduation rates and the average 

amount its students borrow, all in a 

standardized, easy-to-read format. 

It is designed to help you compare 

colleges and choose one that is wellsuited to your individual needs.

collegecost.ed.gov/scorecard

College Navigator

University of the United States (UUS)

Student Name, Identifier

Estimated Cost of Attendance 

$

Total Grants and Scholarships ("Gift" Aid; no repayment needed) 

$

Net Costs 

$

$

Family Contribution 

Payment plan offered by the institution

Parent or Graduate PLUS Loans

Military and/or National Service 

Non-Federal private education l

Tuition and fees X,XX

Housing and meals X,XX

Books and supplies X,XX

Transportation X,XX

Other education costs X,XX

Grants and scholarships from your school X,XX

Federal Pell Grant X,XX

Grants from your state X,XX

Other scholarships you can use X,XX

(Cost of attendance minus total grants and scholarships)

Options to pay net costs

Work-Study (Federal, state, or institutional) X,XX

Federal Perkins Loan X,XX

Federal Direct Subsidized Loan X,XX

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan X,XX

*Recommended amounts shown here. You may be eligible for a different amount. Contact your finan

(As calculated by the institution using information reported on the FAFSA or to your institution.)

Customized information from UUS