college search

How to Choose a College: A Complete Guide

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 22, 2025

Key Takeaways: To choose a college, start by considering your preferences, goals, academic profile, and intended major. Visiting campuses and asking students questions can help you determine whether it’s the right school for you. Review statistics, rankings, and other information to compare college options before you apply. You’re not alone if you’re intimidated by trying …

affordability & college cost

College Costs: Net Price vs. Sticker Price

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022

Someone once accurately explained college pricing and financial aid with this anecdote: You live in the Northeast quadrant of the United States. The temperature outside could be displayed on one hand on any given day in January. Your little brother just dumped a quart of yellow paint on your winter coat—meaning you need to buy …

affordability & college cost

College Costs: The 4 Parts of College Costs

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022

How much does college cost? This seems like it should be a reasonably simple question with a straight forward answer. However, that is not nearly the case. In fact, there are at least 4 answers to this question about college costs. Understanding them is important in being a good consumer. 1. Tuition and Fees The …

college search

College Fit: Reach, Match, and Safety Colleges Explained

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022

When it comes to choosing a college, you will hear the term “fit” tossed around quite a bit. You’re told to find a college that is a good “fit”, but what does that really mean? You know what it means to find a pair of jeans or sneakers that fit, but a college? Clothing and …

college majors & minors

How to Choose Your College Major

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on November 7, 2025

Key takeaways: You should choose a major that fits your passions, strengths, and career goals. Asking the right questions, job shadowing, and taking courses that interest you can help you explore potential areas of study. Students typically have to choose their major by the end of their sophomore year. Choosing a major is a big …

college comparisons

Is Lower Student Debt More Important than a Big Name School for Thriving After College?

By Tyler HakesLast updated on December 22, 2022

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal (no subscription required) proclaims “Elite Colleges Don’t Buy Happiness for Graduates.”  The thesis of the article is that empirical data shows that a college’s reputation does not guarantee success in the workplace. Gallup surveyed more than 30,000 college graduates drawn from colleges and universities across the selectivity …

college comparisons

Strategies for Determining Most Affordable Schools: The Ivy League

By William StaibLast updated on December 22, 2022

There are potentially many factors that go into building a portfolio of schools when considering your college application options. Academic fit, cost, geography, major field of study, extracurricular offerings and athletics are some of the top considerations.  MyCollegePrice offers an easy way to combine some of these quickly and easily as you try to winnow …

college comparisons

Creating More Accurate College Net Price Estimates

By Tyler HakesLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you’re a prospective college student, you may be pulling your hair out when going through the shopping process. Not just because of all of the hoops you’re made to jump through and paperwork you need to fill out — but also because of how misleading college cost estimates can be. Many estimates can be …

affordability & college cost

The Price of State Colleges vs. Private Colleges

By William StaibLast updated on December 22, 2022

One of the biggest myths for high school students and their families is that state schools are always cheaper — generally a lot cheaper — than comparable smaller, private colleges. Is it true? Not really. In fact, that’s one of the main reasons we created MyCollegePrice in the first place. In many cases, attending a …

questions & answers

Is Stanford the Most Affordable College in California?

By William StaibLast updated on March 8, 2024

If you’re looking for affordable colleges, Stanford University may be the last place you expect to find a deal. It’s a prestigious university, and — according to its website — will cost a whopping $58,856 per year to attend as an undergrad. But, as we’ve seen before, looking at the “sticker price” of Stanford doesn’t tell the whole story. …