About CollegeLuma

CollegeLuma is a free, independent tool with one job: show families what college will actually cost them — before they apply, without a login, and without selling anyone’s data. It is not affiliated with any college, lender, or government agency.

Where the numbers come from

• School costs and outcomes come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard (2025–26 data).
• Aid estimates use the official FAFSA formula for each school year, from the income, family size and state you enter. Tap “How” or “?” beside any figure to see how we got it.
• The tax credit is the American Opportunity Tax Credit, up to $2,500 a year.

What we count, and what we don’t

We count income, family size, state, housing, siblings in college, savings, and about 4% yearly cost increases. We don’t count home equity, retirement savings, student income, or a school’s own aid rules. About 200 private schools use the CSS Profile and may offer something different; the report tells you when that applies.

Estimates, not guarantees

Each report links to the school’s own net price calculator so you can check us. The school’s award letter is the final word: enter it here to swap our estimates for real numbers, and draft an appeal letter if the offer falls short. CollegeLuma is a planning tool, not financial, legal or tax advice.

Our trust promise

• We never sell your financial profile, uploaded award letters, or any personal data.
• Colleges cannot pay to change their ranking, score, or placement — rankings are never for sale.
• Sponsored content, if it ever exists, will be clearly labeled and never mixed into results.
• Loans are never mixed with grants — free money, student debt, parent debt, and cash are always shown separately.
• Every estimate explains its assumptions, and the calculator, affordability verdict, College Finder and Family Report stay free.
• We will never use fear to sell you anything, and you'll never pay before seeing a useful estimate.

Your data

Your family’s details stay on your device. We don’t sell data, show ads or track you. What reaches us, and only when you send it, is in the privacy policy.

A bug, a confusing screen, a number that looks wrong? Send us feedback.