Scholarship & Net Cost Calculator
Your true out-of-pocket college cost after scholarships, grants, and family funds
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Quick summary
Enter the yearly cost of attendance and subtract scholarships, grants, and your family contribution to reveal the funding gap — the amount left to cover with loans or work income. The sticker price is rarely what families pay: aid can cut it substantially. A $35,000/year cost with $15,000 in aid and $8,000 from family leaves a $7,000 annual gap, or $28,000 over four years. Scholarships and grants don't get repaid; loans do, with interest.
Reviewed by Simple Calculators TeamLast reviewed
For planning only — not financial or tax advice. Results are estimates based on your inputs and the stated assumptions. Confirm important decisions with a qualified professional.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the inputs requested by the calculator.
- Choose the units or options that match your situation and review the assumptions.
- Run or update the calculation to see the result.
- Review the result, breakdown, and formulas shown on the page.
- Check the inputs, units, dates, and limitations before saving or sharing the result.
Frequently asked questions
What is the net cost of college?
Net cost is the sticker price (cost of attendance) minus 'gift aid' — scholarships and grants you don't repay. It's what you'll actually need to fund. The published price is often far higher than what most families pay after aid, so the net figure is the one that matters.
What's the difference between scholarships, grants, and loans?
Scholarships (usually merit-based) and grants (usually need-based) are gift aid you never repay. Loans must be repaid with interest. This calculator treats scholarships and grants as reducing your cost, and shows the remaining gap that typically becomes loans or out-of-pocket spending.
What is a funding gap?
The funding gap is what's left after gift aid and your family's contribution — the amount you must still cover, usually through student or parent loans, work-study, or income. Minimizing this gap (more scholarships, a cheaper school, or more savings) is what reduces future debt.
How can I reduce my college costs?
Apply broadly for scholarships and grants (including small local ones, which add up), compare each school's net price rather than sticker price, consider in-state or community-college-then-transfer paths, and file the FAFSA early for need-based aid. Every dollar of gift aid is a dollar you don't borrow.
Key terms
- Cost of Attendance
- The full yearly price: tuition, fees, room, board, books, and living costs.
- Gift Aid
- Scholarships and grants that don't need to be repaid.
- Funding Gap
- Cost left after aid and family funds — usually covered by loans.
- Net Price
- Cost of attendance minus gift aid; what you actually pay.
Methodology, sources & limitations
This page shows the formula, assumptions, and limitations used for this estimate. Rates, thresholds, and other time-sensitive inputs can change, so verify them against the relevant official source before relying on a result.
For our review approach and the primary sources we consult, see the methodology and source policy. If you spot an outdated figure or formula, please contact us with a correction.