How should I compare the true cost of attending Arizona State vs. the University of Minnesota?

Compare the schools using a personalized four-year net-cost estimate, not each university’s published cost of attendance.

Start with each school’s financial-aid offer and subtract only grants and scholarships that do not need to be repaid from the school’s estimated annual cost. Keep loans separate: a loan can cover a bill, but it is not a discount. Confirm whether every scholarship is renewable for four years, the GPA and enrollment requirements for renewal, and whether the award applies to tuition only or can also reduce housing and other charges.

Then build a side-by-side budget with billed costs, such as tuition, mandatory fees, university housing, meal plan, and health insurance if required or elected. Add realistic non-billed costs: books and supplies, local transportation, personal expenses, winter clothing if attending Minnesota, and round-trip travel home during breaks.

Use conservative estimates for years two through four. Tuition and housing commonly rise, first-year housing may not reflect later housing choices, and some scholarships do not increase when charges rise. Also calculate the total borrowing required under each option and compare the portion that would be federal student loans versus parent or private loans.

Ask each financial-aid office to clarify any unclear item in the award letter, then compare the four-year amount your family would actually pay or borrow.