Which tool to use, and when
Every tool runs in your browser with figures from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard. Nothing you type is sent to us, and there is no sign-up.
Building a list (junior year and the summer after)
- College match quiz: answer eight questions about location, budget, size, setting and scores, and get a ranked list of colleges that fit. A good first step before you know any names.
- What should I major in?: ten questions that point to majors, with what graduates of each earn.
- Test score fit: enter an SAT or ACT score and see where you fall at each college on your list, so you can sort schools into reach, match and likely.
- GPA calculator: weighted and unweighted GPA from your grades.
Working out cost (parents, start early)
- Net price by income: what families in your income group actually paid at any college after grants. The most useful number for setting a realistic list.
- Pell Grant calculator: an estimate of federal Pell Grant eligibility from family size and income.
- 529 savings calculator: how much to save each month for a target.
- Student loan calculator: the monthly payment and total interest for any amount at current federal rates.
Deciding (spring of senior year)
- Compare colleges: up to four schools side by side on cost, admission, graduation and earnings, with a scoreboard of who wins each row.
- My college list: everything you saved, with your status for each school.
- Share cards: make a card when you apply, get in, commit or graduate.
Want something lighter? Try the college games. For the steps behind the tools, see our guides.