RAMBO

Parents love to ask how much college costs. Unfortunately, the answer is "it depends". College cost depends on the cost of the college, the academic and other accomplishments of the student, the merit scholarship and grant process of the college and when the student applies for admission.

College cost is very much an individual phenomenon. For example, a highly accomplished student can apply to a college, receive a merit scholarship and end up paying half the cost or nothing at all. An average student with high financial need might end up paying the same. Both students would receive different types of assistance and both would benefit from applying for scholarships and financial aid early.