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How to Pay

Considering college costs doesn't stop with looking at listed prices. We recommend that families consider three steps:

Step 1: Think about the amount you'll actually pay.

The listed price is often not what something will actually cost. The same goes for college. Merit and need-based aid can make a huge difference, lowering the listed price to a "net price" and making college much more affordable.

Step 2: Consider graduation rates.

How likely is it that a student will graduate in four years? No one plans to take six years to graduate but it happens. Graduating on time helps save money and allows students to start working — and earning — earlier.

Step 3: Weigh the value of the investment.

Families should consider the quality of the education a student will receive. How will the choice help begin a career — and advance it later? How will a student be impacted in other ways?

Download our handout, How much does college cost?

A financial aid expert talks with the Clark family about how they've figured out how to afford college. (1:17)

View more clips from the Paying for Private College video. There are more Paying for College videos available as well, including one for students who will be the first in their families to go to college and others in Spanish, Hmong and Somali.

What does college cost?

Find out about what makes up college costs and what families actually pay.

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Steps to paying for college

Private colleges can be a lot more affordable than you may think, but it helps to plan ahead. Here are some steps you can take now.

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Paying for College logo

Paying for College videos

Watch the programs and clips, packed with concrete advice from local experts. They help demystify how Minnesota families can finance a college education.

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Financial aid basics

Financial aid helps make higher education possible for most Minnesota students. It comes from federal and state grants, scholarships from our institutions and outside sources, loans and work-study.

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Net price calculators

All colleges now offer a net price calculator or estimator on their websites. "Net price" refers to what a student actually pays to attend, after subtracting grant aid. Link to the calculators at our colleges.

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How to Pay

  • What does college cost?
  • Steps to paying for college
  • Paying for College videos
  • Financial aid basics
  • Net price calculators

Related Resources

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