Tuition models differ from school to school, and the sticker price rarely tells the whole story. When you compare Continents International University and Rockhurst University, look past the headline number.
Start with the full cost of attendance. Tuition is only one part. Add mandatory fees, books, supplies, technology charges, housing and food if you live on campus, and transportation. Two schools with similar tuition can have very different total costs.
Then look at financial aid. Grants and scholarships do not have to be repaid, so they are the best kind of aid to find first. Loans must be repaid with interest, so read the terms before you borrow. Work-study lets you earn money through a part-time job, often on campus. Filling out the FAFSA is the standard first step for federal aid, and many schools use it for their own aid decisions too.
The earlier version of this article showed tuition figures as placeholders and described specific aid programs at each school. Those details could not be verified and have been removed. Check each university’s published tuition pages and net price calculator for current numbers.
When you weigh value, think about outcomes as well as cost. Ask each school about graduation rates, career services, and how graduates describe their experience. A cheaper program is not a better deal if it does not help you reach your goal.
Related reading: financial aid options for online degrees, tips for maximizing financial aid, understanding the annual tuition model, and the true cost of a business administration degree.
