Guides for families

Plain-language answers to the questions families ask most about paying for college.

What are automatic merit scholarships?
Automatic merit scholarships are awarded for published GPA and test score thresholds, with no separate application. How they work, where to find them, and what to watch for.
Net price vs. sticker price: what college really costs
The sticker price is what a college charges before aid. Net price is what families actually pay after grants and scholarships. Here's how to estimate it.
How to build a balanced college list
A balanced college list mixes Likely, Target, and Reach schools you can afford. How to choose them, how many to apply to, and how merit aid fits in.

Ready to find your matches?

Tell us about your student in 5 minutes. We'll show you the colleges that fit.