<p>Parents need to check the costs of attendance…tuition, fees, room, board, books, etc. Just using tuition is not going to work. </p>
<p>Every college has a net price calculator on it. This will give you a good ESTIMATE of your net costs at each college. However, if the parents are divorced, own a business, are self employed, or own real estate in addition to the primary residence, the NPC won’t be accurate. In addition…not really for international students either.</p>
<p>Also important to keep in mind that college is at least a four year plan. Families need to plan for four years, not just freshman year. Some of the outside scholarships are for one year only and are not renewable.</p>
<p>In terms of need based aid, families also need to understand that their net costs very possibly will increase if their financial situation improves in subsequent years.</p>