<p>It’s sort of like asking why folks rely on restaurant reviews less than they rely on word of mouth reviews from friends who have eaten at a place.</p>
<p>Sometimes that “indirect” is actually information based on personal experience.</p>
<p>As an example…those net price calculators actually give average numbers based on the financial info you input. They do NOT guarantee your specific aid amount. They have been discussed regularly on these forums…with a “beware” especially for self employed, family’s with divorced/remarried parents, or families who own properties other than their own residence (in particular rentals). The NPC info in the college websites do NOT mention the instances of inaccuracy…or the variation from student to student.</p>
<p>Good thing there is some indirect info about this!</p>