The cheapest advertised tuition rate is not always the lowest total degree cost. A useful comparison normalizes the pricing basis and the number of credits required.
Normalize the pricing basis
Identify whether the university quotes tuition per credit, course, semester, academic year or full program. Converting programs to a common basis makes comparisons more meaningful.
Keep mandatory fees separate so they do not disappear inside a headline tuition figure.
Use required credits
A lower per-credit price can still result in a more expensive program if more credits are required. Compare both the unit price and the credit requirement.
When credits or tuition have not been verified, DegreeScoutHQ leaves the field incomplete rather than estimating a value.
Check student-specific pricing
Residency, international status, course load and academic year can affect price. Always confirm the rate that applies to your own situation on the official university page.