The College Search Mistake That Costs Families Thousands
When it comes to college planning, most families start by asking the wrong question: “What are the best schools we can get into?”
While this sounds logical, it’s often the first mistake—and one that can cost you dearly. The truth is, the most expensive colleges are not always the best fit. And chasing prestige without considering cost can saddle your family with enormous debt.

Why “Best” Doesn’t Mean Best for You
Many college rankings are based on things that don’t matter to your student’s success—like alumni donations or research funding. What they rarely consider is value—what you get for what you pay.
A school that looks impressive on paper may offer very little financial aid. Meanwhile, another college with generous merit scholarships and strong academic support may offer a far better return on investment.
The Problem with Ignoring Financial Fit
When families fall in love with a school before running the numbers, they often:
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Miss out on schools that offer more aid
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End up taking on unnecessary loans
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Sacrifice retirement savings to cover shortfalls
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Overlook schools where their student would thrive
What to Prioritize Instead
At Diversified College Planning, we help families create a smart college list that balances:
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Academic fit
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Career outcomes
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Affordability and aid
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Personal goals and support systems
We show you which colleges offer the most aid, how to appeal for more, and how to position your student to receive maximum merit and need-based assistance.
Start With the Right Question
Instead of asking “What’s the best school we can get into?”, ask:
“Which schools will help us graduate on time, with a great education, and as little debt as possible?”
That’s a smart search—and one that saves serious money.
Contact Us Today:
Want help building a college list that’s financially smart and academically strong?
📞 Call us at 770-662-8510
📅 Schedule a free consultation: Book with Jarad
Or visit our Contact Page: https://diversifiedcollegeplanning.com/contact-us/