An online tool offered by California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, allows prospective students to estimate their personalized cost of attendance. This tool factors in a family’s financial situation to provide an approximation of how much they might pay to attend the university after financial aid and scholarships are applied. Input parameters generally include income, assets, and family size.
The purpose of this calculator is to provide transparency and aid in financial planning for higher education. Understanding the potential out-of-pocket expenses enables families to make informed decisions about college affordability. College tuition expenses continue to rise, such calculation tool becomes increasingly essential for prospective students and their families. Early adoption and usage of such estimation tools may assist students when making financial plans or evaluating a post secondary education path.