MapTheCost.

Questions

Plain answers. If yours is not here, write to hello@mapthecost.com once the mailbox exists.

Is this a loan company?

No. We do not lend, we do not take money from lenders, and we never show you a loan offer. We are paid once, by you. If we ever took lender money we would have to tell you a loan is good news. We will not.

How do I know the numbers are right?

Every number we pull from a letter shows the exact line it came from, so you can check it in two seconds. Each number also carries a confidence score. Anything under our bar goes to a person before you see it. The math (adding, comparing, monthly payments) is done by tested code, not by an AI guessing.

Will you contact the college for me?

No. We draft the appeal in your words and you send it from your own email. Colleges respond better to parents than to third parties, and you should know exactly what was said in your name.

Can I really ask a college for more money?

Yes. Colleges have a formal process, often called a professional judgment review or an appeal. It works more often than families expect, especially with a competing offer or a change in your finances. Public colleges have less room than private ones. We tell you the odds before you spend time on it.

Do you help with the FAFSA?

We explain it and we show you how your answers flow into the letters. We do not fill it in or submit it. The FAFSA is free and the family must file it.

What are the new Parent PLUS caps?

From July 1, 2026, a parent can borrow at most $20,000 a year and $65,000 total per student in Parent PLUS loans. Many award letters still list PLUS as if it were an award. We show you what the cap means for your family's real gap.

Who sees my letters?

You, the software, and only when needed a reviewer bound by our privacy rules. We never sell or share your information. You can download or delete everything at any time. Privacy.

What if my student is under 18?

The parent or guardian is the account holder. The student does not need an account.

Do you guarantee I will save money?

No one can promise what a college will do. We tell you the odds honestly and we track what happens, and we will publish our results. Any refund terms will be in writing before anyone pays.

When can I use it?

Letters arrive in March 2027. The decoder opens before then. Reserve a spot and we will email you when it is ready, and once more when it is your turn.

I am a counselor. Can I use this with my families?

Yes, that is coming. For counselors.

Reserve a spot for spring 2027

Letters land in March. We will email you once, when the decoder is ready, and once more when it is your turn. No newsletter.

You pay nothing today. We hold your spot and your price.