Brad Baldrige, a certified financial planner and college consultant, discusses the cost of education in America and how to pay for it. The average published price for a public school is $27,000 and for a private school is $57,000 per year. However, very few students actually pay the full list price. Brad is the founder TamingTheHighCostOfCollege.com. https://www.tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/
There is a lot of variability in the cost of college, and many students receive scholarships or financial aid that significantly reduce their expenses. Brad emphasizes the importance of understanding the net cost of college, which takes into account the scholarships and aid that a student receives. He also discusses the role of student loans in financing education and the potential impact on students and parents.
The conversation explores the importance of finding the right college for each student and the factors to consider in the decision-making process. It emphasizes the need for research, understanding individual priorities, and recognizing that the 'best' school may not always be the right fit. The conversation also touches on the limitations of college rankings and the complexities of financial planning for college. It concludes with a discussion on gap years and the changing landscape of college costs.
Takeaways
- The average published price for a public school is $27,000 and for a private school is $57,000 per year, but very few students pay the full list price.
- There is a lot of variability in college costs, and many students receive scholarships or financial aid that significantly reduce their expenses.
- The net cost of college, which takes into account scholarships and aid, is an important factor to consider when choosing a school.
- Student loans are available to help cover the cost of education, but it's important to carefully consider the amount borrowed and the ability to repay.
- The decision of how much to spend on college should be based on individual circumstances and priorities, keeping in mind the long-term financial impact. Finding the right college is crucial for students in the middle range, as it can make a significant difference in their success.
- The 'best' school may not be the right fit for every student, and it's important to consider individual priorities and preferences.
- College rankings should be taken with a grain of salt, as they often change based on subjective criteria and may not align with personal evaluations.
- Financial planning for college involves understanding net costs, exploring need-based and merit-based aid, and considering various strategies to reduce expenses.
- Taking a gap year can be a valuable option for students to gain maturity, explore interests, and make informed decisions about their college education.
- The cost of college is increasing, but colleges are also offering more scholarships and discounts, resulting in a slower growth rate for net prices.
Brad me be reached through:
https://www.tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradbaldridge
brad@bradbaldridge.com
