Federal Tool Guide

Over the past several years, the U.S. Department of Education has launched a suite of consumer information tools designed to enable informed decision-making at various stages in the college selection process.  Here are a number of resources to help you navigate these federal tools. 

College Affordability and Transparency Center

The Education Department first released to the public data on College Affordability and Transparency in the Higher Education in 2011.  By law, these lists highlight, by sector, institutions with the highest tuition and fees, highest net price, and highest rates of tuition and net price increases.
College Affordability and Transparency Center
College Affordability and Transparency Lists: An Overview (NAICU)

Net Price Calculators

Since 2011, each postsecondary institution participating in the Title IV federal student aid programs has been required to post a net price calculator on its website.  Learn more about the requirements and the history of the net price calculator regulations:
Net Price Calculators: An Overview  (NAICU)