<p>For a Pennsylvania resident to attend the University of Pittsburgh, total cost of attendance (COA) is about $26K/year. For comparison, here’s what I find from averaging the numbers for some other schools on the Kiplinger “best value” college site:</p>
<p>Avg Total COA … Category
$54,640 … top 20 “best value” private universities
$53,599 … top 20 “best value” LACs
$48,235 … 100 “best value” LACs
$47,747 … 100 “best value” private universities
$39,848 … top 20 “best value” public universities, out-of-state
$33,958 … 100 “best value” public universities, out-of-state</p>
<p>Avg Net Cost* … Category
$29,610 … top 20 “best value” public universities, out-of-state
$26,129 … 100 “best value” public universities, out-of-state
$25,763 … 100 “best value” private universities
$23,066 … 100 “best value” LACs
$21,042 … top 20 “best value” LACs
$20,769 … top 20 “best value” private universities
- Average Net Cost is the average of: total COA minus average need-based aid;
“Top 20” refers to the Kiplinger rankings, which consider quality factors as well as cost</p>
<p>To understand your probable net, out-of-pocket costs, you first need to estimate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). If your EFC is less than the full-price COA for a college, you may get adequate need-based aid from that college; otherwise, you almost certainly won’t get any. Ideally (if the college meets close to full need), your net cost will be the lesser of your EFC or the full-price COA. Most colleges do not meet full need; many “best value” schools either do, or come close.</p>