College Financial Aid Offer Comparison
Compare college financial aid offers on the same cost basis. See the net price after grants and scholarships, then decide how much of the remaining cost would need family funds, work income or borrowing.
Annual offer comparison
Pre-borrowing gap = net price − family funds, before any elected loans or earnings. Financed gap additionally subtracts elected borrowing and work-study earnings. Negative gaps mean a modeled surplus, not guaranteed cash or permission to borrow more. If gift aid exceeds attendance cost, confirm award restrictions with the college.
Multi-year cost and renewal scenario
Costs increase at each college's entered rate, compounded annually. Gift aid stays at the entered annual amount only for years explicitly included and only if you assume its recorded renewal conditions are met. Unconfirmed awards stop after year one.
| College | Year | Attendance cost | Included gift aid | Net price |
|---|
Family contributions, loans and work-study elections apply to year one only. Future borrowing, earnings, interest and repayment costs are not projected.
How to use this tool
- Enter a full academic year of costs for each college.
- List grants and scholarships separately from loans and work-study.
- Compare net price first, then explore funding choices.
How the result is calculated
Net price subtracts gift aid from the cost of attendance. Loans can help finance that price but do not make the education cheaper.
Worked example
A $30,000 annual cost with $12,000 in grants has an $18,000 net price. A $5,000 loan offer does not reduce that net price; it finances part of it.
What this result does not cover
Actual bills and aid awards can change. Review renewal requirements, housing choices and loan terms with the college.
Questions people ask
Is work-study guaranteed cash?
No. It normally requires obtaining and completing eligible work.
Should I include living costs?
Yes. Use consistent housing and living-cost assumptions across offers.
Will a scholarship last four years?
Only if its award and renewal conditions say so.
Sources and maintenance
Federal Student Aid: How To Evaluate Your Aid Offers · Financial Aid Dictionary: Grants, Work-Study, and Student Loans
Owner: Toolistify. Terminology reviewed October 21, 2026; next annual review October 21, 2027. Offer amounts and renewal terms are entered by you, not inferred from a school name.