Award-Winning College Planning Tool (website): https://collegeguidepro.net/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michael_mackelvie/ The college pricing system is wildly complex...which is part of the reason why so much money is left on the table. I sat down with Peg Keough, who is the founder of "Way to the Quad" and knows more about the college pricing system than perhaps anyone. For parents, the college planning process is confusing, and often conflicting. It may feel like there are tremendous tradeoffs between the price of a college, and the value, but if parents became more informed about these topics they would likely realize that these tradeoffs are...somewhat of a mirage. College price is not indicative of value. There are a number of reasons why the college pricing system can be complex. Here are a few: The cost of tuition and fees varies significantly from one college to another, and even within the same college, depending on factors such as the program of study, whether the student is a resident or non-resident, and whether they are an undergraduate or graduate student. Many colleges offer financial aid packages to help students pay for their education. These packages can include grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs, and they are often based on a variety of factors such as the student's financial need, academic merit, and other criteria. Some colleges have a tiered pricing system, in which students from certain states or countries pay different tuition rates based on agreements with those states or countries. The process for applying for financial aid can be complex, as students must often complete multiple forms and provide detailed information about their financial situation. The cost of college education has been rising in recent years, which can make it challenging for students and their families to afford the cost of tuition, fees, and other expenses. Overall, the complexity of the college pricing system can make it difficult for students and their families to understand the total cost of their education and plan for how to pay for it.
