College Money Decision Lab
College Cost Pathway Lab
Compare pathways, subtract free money, estimate loans, and decide whether a college or training plan fits your future income.
Do not stop at the sticker price. Build the net price, separate grants from loans, test the monthly payment, and choose a path that protects Future You.
Choose a starting path
Pick a pathway to load realistic sample numbers. You can adjust every number later.
Compare common post-high-school options before choosing a plan.
Build the real yearly cost
Move the sliders to see how tuition, living costs, aid, work, and family support change the annual gap.
The annual gap is manageable only if the plan does not force too much borrowing.
Sort free, earned, and borrowed money
Drag each aid type to the right bucket. On touch screens, tap a card, then tap a bucket.
Estimate the loan payment
Borrowing is not just a number today. It becomes a future monthly payment.
A common planning check is whether total borrowing stays below expected first-year salary.
Draw a college cost surprise
College plans are estimates. A smart plan leaves room for costs and opportunities you did not expect.
Click the button to add one real-world wrinkle to the plan.
Choose the path with eyes open
Use the final recommendation to write a rule you could use before accepting a financial aid offer.
The best path is not always the cheapest one, but it should make sense after grants, scholarships, work, loan payments, and expected income.
Practice activity only. Numbers are sample estimates for learning. Real decisions should use official aid letters, school cost calculators, and trusted guidance.