New research and institutional reporting show net tuition prices—the amount students pay after grants and scholarships—have declined for many groups over recent years. Brookings and other analyses report substantial inflation‑adjusted net price drops for low‑ and middle‑income students at public and private institutions. Higher‑end private colleges also boosted financial aid, lowering costs for many recipients, even as public perceptions of soaring college costs persist. Colleges are using these findings in recruitment and policy debates, but disparities by institution selectivity and family income remain.