Many students and parents assume that attending an elite, well-known university is the key to a great career and future financial success. But that’s not always the case.
A recent study found that graduates of regional and second-tier colleges, on average, earn about the same as those who go to prestigious flagship universities. And surprisingly, it also confirms that students with associate’s degrees often out-earn bachelor’s degree-holders.
Even if you’re only a high school freshman, it’s never too early to start thinking about college.
Planning ahead can help keep high school students on track so they are well-prepared for college, instead of scrambling to choose a college and fill out applications at the last minute.
You’re probably familiar with the U.S. News & World Report’s annual ranking of best colleges. Their ranking system, however, has been criticized for favoring prestige and institutional wealth over how well the school serves its students.
The President’s ranking system would instead be based on a mix of value and performance, rather than overall prestige. This methodology is actually very similar to the one Washington Monthly has been using for years to rate colleges.
These rankings may surprise you. Check out the 2013 list of the top colleges and universities in the U.S.
We sometimes hear from students and parents asking if college is even worth attending in today’s era of astronomical costs and a still sluggish-economy. For many, college is a great investment that pays off in the long run by giving students opportunities to enter certain career field and make more money over their lifetimes. But for some people, it’s not worth the cost because they choose the wrong school, never finish their degree, or end up paying too much.
Instead of asking whether college is worth it, Washington Monthly argues that students and families should be asking themselves, “What colleges will charge people like me the least and give me the highest chance of graduating with a degree that means something in the marketplace?” So they created a formula to help college students and families figure it out.
Like many prospective college students we work with, Erin had a firm idea about the college she wanted to attend. She believed she had found her “dream school” when she submitted her seat deposit to Wake Forest University during her senior year of high school.
But that all changed when Erin had a conversation with her parents about the financial implications of her decision to attend the private North Carolina university. Her parents were requiring she take a 50% stake in her college education, regardless of where she went. Erin wasn’t receiving any financial aid or scholarships from Wake Forest, and with her parents only willing to pay for half of the full $160,000 tuition bill, she would have to come up with $80,000.
Imagine getting an ivy-league caliber education–for half the cost of an elite private school. Online education has been touted as a way to minimize college costs and prevent students from taking out expensive loans for college. But critics argue that taking online classes can’t compare to interacting with other students, experiencing dorm life, and participating […]
With the high cost of application fees and college visits, most high school students can’t afford to apply to every single college that interests them. Parents and students need to weigh many different factors, such as cost, location, size, and value. With so many options, the choice can seem overwhelming.
When calculating college costs, most parents about the expenses associated with visiting potential colleges. Between the cost of airfare and/or transportation, hotel rooms, meals, gas, and tolls, the expenses can really add up–before you even send in a single application.
Did you know that Twitter can be a great resource for parents and students preparing for college? There are several weekly chats that allow you to get your questions answered about financial aid, college admissions, and other topics before heading off to school.