I Work With Students Every Day. Here’s What I Want Parents to Know.

College planning is expensive, emotional, and full of fine print. Most parents are figuring it out as they go.

I’ve worked with hundreds of students and families across all kinds of programs, and here’s what I wish more parents knew before the pressure kicks in senior year.

1. Out-of-state schools might sound exciting but they come with out-of-pocket reality.

That “dream” school a few states away?
Unless it’s giving serious financial aid, you’re likely looking at $15K–$25K more per year compared to an in-state option.

• Always compare the total net price, not just the vibe.

• For some families, going out of state is worth it. For others, it’s a debt trap.

2. On-campus living is convenient. It’s also expensive.

Skipping on-campus housing and living at home (or even off-campus with roommates) can save families tens of thousands of dollars over four years.

Room and board at many universities ranges from $10K–$15K per year. Multiply that by four, and you're looking at the price of a car or a house down payment.

It’s not the right move for everyone, but if you're concerned about cost? This is one of the most straightforward ways to cut it.

3. Scholarship searching starts early: like, 9th grade early.

You don’t have to apply in 9th grade, but that’s the perfect time to start:

• Saving scholarships to a spreadsheet or tracker

• Noting requirements (like essays, leadership, GPA)

• Building a plan to qualify for them over time

By senior year, students should have a full “scholarship bank” they’re ready to apply to; not starting from scratch while juggling applications and exams.

4. Students need guidance on careers, not just majors.

A lot of students are choosing majors based on what’s popular and trendy (forensic science ring a bell?), what their friends are doing, or what their parents think is safe.

What’s often missing is a conversation about:

• Cost of living in their desired city

• Expected salary after graduation

• Job demand in their field

• Whether grad school is required

By all means, teens should be allowed to explore and pursue their dreams; but as parents we should offer them strategy.

Final Thought

Parents don’t need to be financial aid experts or career counselors.
But knowing what questions to ask and when to ask them can make the difference between a student who thrives and one who struggles unnecessarily.

This process is complex. You don’t have to figure it out alone, click here to book a session.