Calculating Affordability Look beyond the sticker price at the actual cost of attendance and the real value offered. What you discover may surprise you. THE DOLLARS AND SENSE OF A COLLEGE EDUCATION DIRECT AND INDIRECT COSTS Direct costs are set costs paid to the university, like tuition, fees, meal plans, and on-campus housing. Indirect costs are the variable costs of attending college, like off-campus housing, books, supplies, and transportation. Consider both. STUDENT FOCUS Do the colleges your student is interested in support their students? Check for robust advising and student services. PROFESSORS WHO LOVE TO TEACH Whether they’re working professionals, industry leaders, or career academics, look for professors who are gifted instructors dedicated to mentoring their students. GIFT AID VS. STUDENT LOANS VS. WORK-STUDY A scholarship or grant is money your student can use to pay for college and never has to pay back. A student loan must be paid back, with interest. Work-study funds are earned through part-time campus jobs. STUDENT-TO-FACULTY RATIO With smaller class sizes, your student will receive more personal attention. ACADEMIC SUPPORT The more academic and career support that’s available to your student, the greater benefit they’re getting from their tuition dollars. OUTCOMES Consider each college or university’s four-year graduation rate and employment statistics. ACTIVE ALUMNI NETWORK Active alumni can become important connections who can open doors to internships, work-study programs, and even job opportunities. NSU’S NET PRICE CALCULATOR
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