How do I find out how much college will cost for me?

<p>I just got into UCR. I applied to 9 schools and this is the first one that came. On the acceptance letter, it doesn't say anything about how much it will cost for me to go there. When I get all of my acceptance letters, hopefully all 9, where do I see how much a year of school will cost for me at each of these universities so I can make the best choice? On Collegeboard.com and websites those prices are general and don't include scholarships or financial aid or anything.</p>

<p>Also, does the tuition of college vary on each student and his/her financial background?</p>

<p>if you cannot afford the “general” prices listed you need to fill out the FAFSA and possibly the CSS profile if one of your schools requires it. after you send these in you will be sent award letters that detail how you can pay for college. these letters include grants, scholarships and loans and usually have an out-of-pocket price as well. when you get these letters you will be able to compare the out-of-pocket prices. tuition does not vary, aid does. your aid could cover your tuition but that initial price is what everyone needs to pay</p>

<p>Did you use the Net Price Calculator on UCR’s website? If not, do so. The estimate should be pretty close if you’re instate. </p>

<p>Are you low income? </p>

<p>Have your parents help you put the numbers in.</p>

<p>Are you an instate resident for CA?</p>

<p>If you’re instate for CA, the average COA of UC’s is anywhere between $25k-32k. Depends on how much you cut the corners. Tuition by itself is around $14k, Room and board is around $10k on the low side. But certain ones like Berkeley charge more because they can.</p>

<p>Rollback, you have to apply for financial aid to get any. Then you get some only if you qualify with family finances being of a certain level. Go to the financial aid site of UCR and find out what you need to do. For starters you need to get your parents tax return numbers for 2012 or estimate thereof and fill out FAFSA. You might want to run some estimates to get some idea of what your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) might be. CA has Blue and Gold as a source for state funds for those families making less than $80K but you must apply to get the money. You need to get all of that information and start the round of financial aid apps. If your family financial situation is such that you do not qualify for aid, you can borrow up to $5500 in your own name, the first year. </p>

<p>When you get the Cost of Attendance (COA) figures for all of your schools, you do need to talk to your parents as to what they can pay through savings, salary and loans Then look at your savings, what you can earn summers, right now and during the school year and you do have the Stafford Loan of $5500. Those components are what pay for college. The EFC is not necessarily met. That gives you the LOWEST amount you are expected to pay for college if you get full financial aid which few students get.</p>