financial fit vs prestige – Diversified College Planning

June 24, 2025

The College Search Mistake That Costs Families Thousands

Jarad Stolz Blog affordable colleges, avoiding student debt, best college for the money, best colleges for financial aid, best value colleges, building a college list, choosing a college wisely, college affordability, college cost savings, college planning for families, college planning support, college rankings myth, college return on investment, college search tips, college selection advice, comparing college aid offers, Diversified College Planning, financial aid appeal help, financial aid optimization, financial fit for college, financial fit vs prestige, how to avoid overpaying for college, how to choose colleges, merit aid strategies, net price comparison, private vs public college cost, reduce college tuition, selecting the right school, smart college planning, strategic college list

Most families start the college search by focusing on school rankings, not financial fit. Learn how this common mistake can lead to tens of thousands in unnecessary tuition costs—and how to avoid it.