How do I factor in scholarships, grants, and other financial aid when using a college planning calculator?

When using a college planning calculator, you can factor in scholarships, grants, and other financial aid by entering the estimated amounts you expect to receive in the "Scholarships and Grants" section of the calculator.

To obtain a more accurate estimate of the total cost of college, you should also enter the expected amount of any student loans you plan to take out, as well as any savings or other sources of funding you may have.

Note that some college planning calculators may have different fields for entering scholarships and grants, so be sure to read the instructions carefully and enter all relevant information.