The Truth About Sticker Price vs. Net Price in College
When it comes to paying for college, many families make the same mistake: they assume the sticker price is the final cost. But just like airline tickets or hospital bills, the amount advertised is often far from what you’ll actually pay. The real number that matters? The net price.
The sticker price is the published cost of attendance—tuition, fees, room, and board—before any financial aid is applied. The net price subtracts all the aid a student is eligible for, including scholarships, grants, and other non-repayable assistance. It’s the amount that comes out of your pocket.
This distinction is critical. A private college with a $70,000 sticker price might actually cost less than a public university if it offers generous aid. But families that don’t understand this difference often eliminate high-value schools too early—or worse, overpay at schools that offered little support.
At Diversified College Planning, we help you compare schools using net price, not just name brand or reputation. This strategy empowers families to make smarter choices that protect savings and limit debt.
Let us show you how colleges actually price their education—and how informed planning can help you save big.
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