Free · Takes about 3 minutes

See what each college really costs — before, during, and after graduation.

The Know Before You Go Report compares your acceptance and financial aid offers side by side, so your family can choose with the full picture — not just the excitement of a "yes."

Compare multiple colleges side-by-side
See your true four-year cost
Estimate monthly student loan payments
Understand how much debt you'll graduate with
Compare financial aid packages
Identify hidden costs
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Your answers auto-save on this device — come back any time.
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REPORT DATEJuly 8, 2026
Know Before You Go Report

Prepared for Steve

Comparing Steve's college acceptance offers before making one of the biggest financial decisions of his life.

★ Recommended Choice Financial Future Score 78/100 · Fair

SUNY College at Geneseo

  • Saves $268,042 over four years vs. Yale University
  • Reduces projected debt by $320,500
  • Lowers monthly loan payments by $3,889/mo
Primary College4-yr cost $150,854 · Debt $111,201
5/100High financial risk
Yale University4-yr cost $375,627 · Debt $381,325
1/100High financial risk
SUNY College at Geneseo4-yr cost $107,585 · Debt $60,826
78/100Fair — proceed with caution
Your Free Report

Everything your report uncovers.

One document you can hold up against every acceptance letter your student receives — built so the whole family compares offers the same way, every time.

Side-by-side comparison

Every college your student is considering, lined up in one clear view.

4Y

True four-year cost

The real total cost of a degree at each school — not just year one.

$

Monthly payment estimate

What your student's loan payment could look like right after graduation.

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Graduation debt total

How much debt your student will carry the day they walk across the stage.

Financial aid breakdown

Grants, scholarships, and loans separated so you know what's actually a gift.

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Hidden cost flags

The fees and gaps that don't show up on the acceptance letter itself.

How It Works

Three minutes. That's it.

Answer a few questions

Tell us about each school your student got into and the aid they were offered.

We run the numbers

Your report calculates true cost, debt, and monthly payments for every option.

Get your report

See a clear recommendation and side-by-side comparison you can talk through as a family.

Answers auto-save on this device, so you can pause and come back any time.
Who It's For

Built for the moment before the deposit is due.

Parents comparing two or more acceptance letters
Families trying to decode financial aid jargon
Students choosing between schools they love
Anyone weighing prestige against long-term debt
Free · Takes about 3 minutes

Don't commit to a school before you know what it costs.

Get your free Know Before You Go Report and compare every offer on the table — clearly, honestly, and side by side.

Start My Free Report →
No cost. No obligation. Just clarity before decision day.
© 2026 Student Loan Steve. Know Before You Go Report estimates are for planning purposes and are not a financial aid offer.