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How to Calculate the Cost of College
Great College Advice shares tips on how to research the actual cost of college and make sure it is an important part in deciding which schools to apply.
November 14, 2025
Great College Advice shares tips on how to research the actual cost of college and make sure it is an important part in deciding which schools to apply.
Applying early decision is not a good idea for every college applicant. Read this and contact us for more guidance.
New Jersey Educational Consultant gives her take on the relationship between applying for financial aid and getting accepted to college. Should you check that “YES” box for financial aid or not?
Merit-based financial aid can reduce the cost of college significantly. However, colleges are selective about how they award merit aid. And some are more selective than others.
Some universities are willing to discount tuition rates heavily in order to attract quality students. Other universities are not. Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, is one of those that generally does not discount for much of anything. They recruit students who generally will pay the full price of tuition. Scholarships do exist, and a small percentage of students may get them for one reason or another. But the fact is that different universities have different business models. And Samford is unabashedly a school that wants students who can pay the full cost.
Students with bad grades, low GPA, and low SAT and ACT test scores can still get into college. But can they graduate? Can they get financial aid? Mark responds to an inquiry from a student who wants it “honest and straight.”
Are you trying to make your final decision on where you will attend college? Is financial aid a factor? Read about questions you should consider if financial aid is playing a role in your final college decision.
Are you a Colorado resident planning to stay in Colorado for college? Make sure you activate your College Opportunity Fund!
During a recent visit to the University of Northern Colorado I asked a friend who works in their residence life office for tips to give to incoming first year students when filling out their housing application. Hear what she has to say!