When parents hear the words “free college tuition,” it’s easy to picture a college bill that comes to $0.

And while there are colleges where students can attend without paying tuition, “tuition-free” and “college-free” are not necessarily the same thing.

That distinction matters.

College costs go far beyond tuition. Families may still have to pay for housing, meals, books, transportation, health insurance, fees, and personal expenses. The federal government defines a college’s cost of attendance as including expenses such as tuition, fees, books and supplies, food, and housing. It also points out that cost of attendance isn’t necessarily what a family actually pays. The student’s financial aid offer and resulting net price are much more important.

So, if your college-bound teen is searching for colleges offering free tuition, don’t stop at the words “free tuition.”

Look at the entire financial picture.

Continue reading Colleges Offering Free Tuition: What “Tuition-Free” Really Means for Families →