Why is it important to research a college's net price rather than its sticker price?

It is important to research a college's net price rather than its sticker price because the net price is a more accurate measure of how much you will actually have to pay for your education, after taking into account financial aid and scholarships that you may be eligible for. The sticker price is the published price of tuition and fees, but it does not include other costs such as room and board, books, and supplies. On the other hand, the net price is the amount that a student has to pay out-of-pocket after subtracting any grants, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid from the sticker price. Therefore, researching a college's net price can give you a better idea of how much you will actually have to pay for your education, and help you make a more informed decision when choosing a college.