"Qualified For" vs. "Attended" National Competitions?

I’m curious how important it is to actually attend nationals for clubs like DECA/FBLA/TSA/etc. Or is putting that you qualified for nationals just as good as saying you went to nationals (and, for example, did not place). Does going and not placing at nationals add anything to a college app, or is it better to not spend the money and just put that I qualified for nationals?

They don’t pay for expenses? I only have experience with NOSB, but they paid travel and food.

@usualhopeful Nope, I know for sure that my school makes us pay ~$1000 to attend nationals for DECA and FBLA, and I’ve heard that it’s the same for TSA as well. I know it all depends on your school + what club it is, but in my situation I’m wondering if it’s worth the investment?