How can I compare whether Emory or Boston College is more affordable after financial aid?

You cannot reliably call Emory or Boston College more affordable until you compare their official financial-aid offers side by side using the same categories. Start with each school’s billed cost for tuition, required fees, housing, and meal plan, then subtract only grants and scholarships that do not need to be repaid. Do not treat federal work-study eligibility or offered loans as reductions in price.

Emory’s and Boston College’s initial cost estimates can differ in items that are not billed by the college, such as books, travel, personal expenses, and health insurance. Add those realistic out-of-pocket costs separately, especially travel from your home to Atlanta versus Chestnut Hill, because a lower billed balance can still produce a higher annual budget.

Next, identify whether each grant is renewable and what conditions apply. Check the award letter or financial-aid portal for required enrollment status, academic-progress rules, and whether need-based aid may change after a family income, assets, or sibling-in-college situation changes.

If one offer includes more loans, record the total borrowing separately and compare projected debt, rather than calling that aid free money.