Overview

Estimated Time: 1 Class Period (50 minutes)
Unit: College In Focus
Lesson: 2.8
Theme: Net Price

Students learn that the true cost of attending college extends beyond the published cost of attendance by exploring the concept of net price. Through guided practice and independent calculations, students determine the net price of their top college choices by accounting for financial aid opportunities such as Pell Grants and the 21st Century Scholarship. Students compare institutions based on affordability and explore scholarship opportunities that can further reduce college expenses.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson students will:

Explain the difference between cost of attendance and net price.
Calculate the net price of postsecondary institutions using financial aid information.
Compare the affordability of multiple colleges based on net price.
Identify scholarship opportunities that can further reduce the cost of attending college.

Indiana Standards

PCC-3.1 – Explore a variety of postsecondary education and training opportunities.

PCC-3.2 – Identify factors to consider when selecting a postsecondary institution or training program.

PCC-3.3 – Compare postsecondary education and training options based on career goals.

PCC-3.4 – Evaluate postsecondary options using personal interests, career goals, and financial considerations.

Before You Begin:

Student Materials

Device with internet access
"Calculating Net Price" sheet
Writing materials (pen or pencil)
Information from previous college research activities (top two college choices)

Teacher Preparation

Print copies of the "Calculating Net Price" sheet.
Review the concepts of cost of attendance, Pell Grants, 21st Century Scholarship, and net price before beginning the lesson.
Prepare the Net Price presentation and work through the public and private college examples so students can follow the calculation process.
Verify student access to their previously selected college choices and official college websites for additional scholarship research.
Be prepared to assist students as they calculate net price and compare the affordability of multiple postsecondary institutions.

Lesson Flow

Hook / Warm-Up (Reviewing Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid)
Mini Lesson: Understanding Net Price
Guided Practice with Public and Private College Examples
Independent Net Price Calculations
Scholarship Search and Reflection

Student Work Products

Students will complete:

"Calculating Net Price" sheet
Comparison of the net price for two college choices
Scholarship research for selected colleges

These artifacts become part of each student's Portfolio in Unit 3.

External Resources

Net Price presentation
Official college and university websites
College scholarship webpages

Teacher Tips

Emphasize that the published cost of attendance is not necessarily what students will actually pay for college. Help students understand that grants and scholarships can significantly reduce college costs and that comparing net price provides a much more accurate picture of affordability than comparing tuition alone. Encourage students to view scholarship searches as an important part of the college selection process and remind them that every scholarship earned can reduce the amount they must pay out of pocket.

Portfolio Connection

At the conclusion of this lesson, students should have:

Completed the "Calculating Net Price" sheet.
Calculated the net price of their top two college choices.
Compared colleges based on affordability after financial aid.
Identified scholarship opportunities that could further reduce the cost of attending college.

Lesson 2.8 - Net Price Snapshot & Resources