College Expense Comparison Worksheet

When researching which college to attend, there are many factors to

consider cost of attendance, financial aid and many more. These factors
can play an important tool in deciding which college is the best choice for
you. Use the template below to note the financial characteristics of each
college campus you research. Research a 2- year institution (or trade
school), in/out of state public school, and a in/out state private school. When
finished comparing- rank in order that you would want to attend.

Harvard

Drake University of Iowa
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How much is tuition & fees? $42,292 $30,889 $8,061
How much is room and board? $14,115 $9,000 $9,424
Estimate the amount needed for books,
supplies, transportation, etc.
$3543 $3560 $3,204
How much does it cost to apply to the
college (application fee)? If accepted, how
much is the deposit?
$75
No
deposit(formerly
$500)
$0(Drake
preferred
application)
$250 deposit
$40
$250 deposit
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What is the deadline to apply for financial
aid?
March 1, 2015 July 1, 2015 July 1, 2015

What forms must be submitted? FAFSA, CSS
Profile
FAFSA, Loan
Documents
FAFSA
What percentages of students receive
financial aid?
75% 99% 83%
What kinds of scholarships does the
college provide?
None- Ivy
leagues dont
offer
scholarships, just
need based aid
Alumni
Scholarship- Full
Ride
National Merit
Scholarships
Merit and need
based
Need and Merit
based, national
merit
scholarships,
Presidential
Scholarship
When is the deadline to apply? November 1,
2014- Early
Action
January 1, 2015,
regular decision
March 1, 2015 May 1, 2015
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What are the residence hall requirements? Freshmen
required to live
on campus
Freshmen
required to live
on campus in
freshmen houses
Students not
required to live
on campus, but
are
recommended to
live on campus
What kind of dining options are available? Meal Plan
required
Single unlimited
Meal plan.

14 meal/week
plan
10 meal/week
plan
195 meal/
semester plan
335 meal/
semester plan
Gold- unlimited
marketplace
meals, 75 flex
meals
Black- 145
marketplace, 75
flex meals
Hawkeye- 75 flex
meals

What is the cost of nearby apartments? A lot, $2000-
2500 month
minimum (Its
Cambridge)
$600-900 month $660-1200 month
What would be the average cost of food if
you did not have a meal plan?
About $380
month

About $300
month
About $300
month
How much money would you need above
and beyond school expenses?
$2543(estimated) $2560(Estimated) $2204(Estimated)


The following links might be helpful, or check out each schools website.

http://collegecost.ed.gov/catc/Default.aspx
http://collegecost.ed.gov/