How we research
Every guide starts with primary sources. When we cite tuition costs or enrollment figures, we go to published data — not marketing copy.
Key sources we use:
- NCES (National Center for Education Statistics) and College Navigator for institutional data.
- studentaid.gov for federal financial aid rules and loan figures.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for salary and employment projections.
We link to the source whenever we cite a specific figure, so you can check it yourself.
How we compare
When we compare degree types, study formats, or program options, we apply the same criteria to every option: published costs, program structure, accreditation, and publicly reported outcomes. We compare what the data says — not what any school’s brochure claims.
No paid placement, no school rankings
Nobody pays to be featured or favored on this site. We don’t publish school rankings, and we don’t steer readers toward particular institutions. If that ever changes, we’ll say so clearly and conspicuously.
Update cadence
We review our guides on a rolling basis and update figures when new official data is published — typically at least once a year, or sooner when something significant changes, such as a new tuition cycle or a major policy shift.
Corrections
If we get something wrong, we fix it and note the correction. You can report an error through our contact form — tell us the page, the figure or statement in question, and the correct source, and we’ll investigate.