WASHINGTON -- The White House activated a website Wednesday designed to help college-bound students have a better sense of how much their education will cost and how much they can expect to pay in student loans.

President Barack Obama promised the tool during Tuesday's State of the Union speech and Education Department officials published the data. On the website, potential students and their parents can see a typical student's out-of-pocket costs, as well as what percentage of students graduate.

The searchable database also lets students compare the rates at which graduates default on their student loans against the national average of 13 percent, and how much the typical student pays each month in student loans. In coming years, the site promises data on how much graduates earn.

The website is http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/education/higher-education/college-score-card -- AP

From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook. Credit: Newsday/Howard Schnapp, Kendall Rodriguez, Drew Singh; Anthony Florio, Randee Daddona, Morgan Campbell, Debbie Egan-Chin

Get ready for sun and fun with NewsdayTV's summer FunBook special! From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook.

From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook. Credit: Newsday/Howard Schnapp, Kendall Rodriguez, Drew Singh; Anthony Florio, Randee Daddona, Morgan Campbell, Debbie Egan-Chin

Get ready for sun and fun with NewsdayTV's summer FunBook special! From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook.

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