News

New College Cost Website

Updated Monday, March 18, 2013

Written By: Joe Melillo

Choosing a college can be a daunting task, but a new federal website is available to help parents and students understand the financial viability of prospective colleges and universities

March 18, 2013
Twin Tiers (WENY) - Choosing a college can be a daunting task, but a new federal website is available to help parents and students understand the financial viability of prospective colleges and universities. The idea of the website is good in theory, but leaders at Elmira College think parents should realize the numbers on the site aren't what they seem to be. Magee Barney is a Freshman at Elmira College, she remembers how stressful the process was for her and her mom.
      “It was super stressful because you want to apply to multiple schools to see where your best fit is. And its also stressful because you want to make sure you are going somewhere but you can also afford it where you're going,” says Barney.
      A new federal website is trying to make the financial aspect less stressful on parents and students. The site allows users to sort schools by region, academic interests and campus type. More importantly for the person fronting the bill, it evaluates the average net cost per year, but Elmira College spokesman Mike Rogers says the “average” might not be the best answer.
     “The best way to test a college is to visit,” says Rogers. “Go out see a college go to the open houses and meet the admission staff, tour it and talk to current students.”
      Senior Elizabeth Delmonico agrees, she remembers the day she visited Elmira College.
      “It was kind of of a dreary day but for some reason whatever it was I was like "oh my god" I love it here I definitely want to come,” says Delmonico.
      “There's more information a their fingertips but it really matters to the individual person what matters to them,” says Rogers.
     Most schools including Elmira College will have a “Cost Calculator” right on their website. Just plug in basic info and you can get how much a college will cost you.