How can I compare whether Brown or Colby would be more affordable after financial aid?

The most reliable comparison is to run Brown’s and Colby’s official Net Price Calculators using the exact same family financial information, then compare the estimated yearly net cost rather than either school’s published tuition.

For each estimate, record the total cost of attendance, the grant or scholarship amount, the expected family contribution, and the remaining amount your family would need to pay. Include indirect costs such as travel, books, personal expenses, and health insurance if applicable, not just billed tuition, housing, and meals. Multiply the annual estimate by four, while leaving room for future increases in costs or changes in family finances.

Brown and Colby may reach different results because their institutional formulas can treat income, savings, investments, business ownership, home equity, divorced-parent finances, and siblings in college differently. Enter assets carefully and consistently, and use the calculator’s notes rather than assuming that a particular asset will be excluded.

If the estimates are close, prioritize the college whose calculator shows a lower family payment rather than a larger-looking grant. A larger grant can simply reflect a higher starting cost. Once admitted, compare the official aid offers line by line, since those offers, not calculator estimates, determine the actual price.