Compare two education paths using clearly labeled cost and income assumptions. This tool helps organize questions for a family conversation; it cannot predict admission, aid, graduation, future earnings, or loan approval.
Compare two education paths using cost, borrowing, and expected income.
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Educational estimate only. This tool does not provide individualized financial, tax, legal, or education-planning advice.
Make both estimates comparable
Use the same time period and include tuition, required fees, housing, food, transportation, and supplies where relevant. Identify grants or scholarships separately from borrowing. Check whether aid is renewable and what conditions apply before extending a first-year award across an entire program.
Stress-test the plan
Compare the expected completion time with a longer scenario. Consider how an extra term, a change in housing, or reduced work hours could affect costs. Treat an expected starting salary as an assumption, not promised income, and discuss a lower-income scenario as well.
Look beyond the displayed total
Review program completion information, required credentials, transfer policies, location, and the support the student may need to finish. Compare the source and terms of any borrowing separately; two plans with similar headline cost can create different repayment obligations.
Bring the estimate to each school’s financial aid office with a list of missing figures. Record the date and source of every offer so later comparisons use the same information. For shorter-term saving practice, use the purchase goal planner.