College price calculators may not paint complete picture - Time Barker, Seattle Times

When the annual college search season gets under way this fall, parents and students will have a new tool at their disposal. By the end of October, the nation's colleges and universities will be offering net price calculators on their websites, providing an easier way to compare attendance costs from one school to the next. At least, that's the goal of the federal law requiring the calculators. Most higher education experts like the idea behind the new rule, which should give students and families a better idea of college costs much earlier in the game. But they also see potential for problems with the fledgling rule.