This is a three-part series to discuss how financial costs increasing are impacting family budgets, which are decreasing, and how families of student-athletes are coming up with creative ways to combat those costs. Part two of this series is understanding what you can and are willing to pay towards the cost of education. Some universities and colleges have a net price calculator.

The Financial Aid Net Price Calculator is designed to help estimate a family’s financial aid options and provide an approximation of what a new first-year undergraduate student can expect to pay when entering college. The overview will be based on the information a family submits, so complete the entire process to ensure the best possible results.

Scholarship and gift aid estimates provided in the Net Price Calculator usually are based on funding models for the incoming class. The Cost of Attendance figures included in the Net Price Calculator are estimates.

The estimator is NOT an official application for financial aid and is NOT a substitute for applying for financial assistance. The family must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to determine federal student aid funds eligibility.

There are also universities that utilize what’s called an Early Financial Aid Guarantee. So therefore, with more information at an earlier time before you apply, you can send that college or university that information, and they can give you an even more accurate idea of what you would qualify for in terms of scholarships, grants, and other opportunities with Werkstatt. So having an awareness of what you can pay and what you are willing to pay allows you as a family to make an affordable choice beyond just what you may receive around an athletic scholarship.