Find your perfect college

Net price is the amount that a student ends up actually paying to attend a college. While each college posts costs for tuition, room and board, and other expenses, these vary by student. Different students receive different financial aid packages, and their expenses can be more or less depending on the cost of books and other factors.

Public colleges are run by the state, and most offer significant in-state tuition discounts. They tend to be larger universities with many different options for students to major in.

Private schools, on the other hand, are operated independently of the government, though many undergo a government process called accreditation. Private schools can be non-profit or for-profit. They can vary more widely in size. For example, most small liberal arts schools are private.

For more information about these differences, check out our article on public vs. private colleges!

The answer to this question varies by student, but generally it’s a good idea to send out between five and ten college applications. But remember, it’s not just the number of applications that matters. You’ll want to apply to a diverse number of schools. That means applying to safety, reach, and match schools.

It’s also a good idea to apply to at least one in-state public school. Because these schools offer dramatically reduced tuition, you’ll help guarantee an affordable option.

For more information about the topic, be sure to check out our full article on deciding how many colleges to apply to.