By the end of October, the nation’s colleges and universities will be offering net price calculators on their websites, providing an easier way to compare college costs from one school to the next.
At least, that’s the goal of the federal law requiring the calculators.
Most higher-education experts like the idea behind the new rule, which should give students and families a better idea of college costs much earlier in the game. But they also see potential for problems with the fledgling rule.
Among the biggest issues is the balancing of simplicity versus accuracy.