Net Price Calculator in the News

New Research Examines Why Net Price Calculators Vary Widely In Demonstrating College Affordability

Student Aid Services, Inc. Publishes the comprehensive white paper Meeting the Federal Net Price Calculator Mandate

SACRAMENTO, CA – October 26, 2010 — Net price calculators — the new way prospective college students will compare college costs — vary widely in accuracy and ability to demonstrate a college’s value. A comprehensive white paper released today by market leader Student Aid Services, Inc. examines the tradeoffs of net price calculator (NPC) alternatives and the reasons various "one-size-fits-all" NPC options produce imprecise aid estimates for many students.

"Estimates that are much less or much greater than they should be are equally problematic. A highly inaccurate calculator will discourage students from applying when an institution appears less affordable than it is, or will create a disparity between estimates and actual aid awards that disappoints — or worse, angers — students and their families," said Bill Smith, co-author of the report and director of business and product development for Student Aid Services, which has built or is building NPCs for more than 100 campuses nationwide.

Read the complete news release