The Hidden Costs of the “Dream School”
Families often fall in love with a college for emotional reasons—name recognition, campus beauty, or a winning football team. But choosing a school based solely on how it feels can be a costly mistake.
The reality? That “dream school” may come with a nightmare price tag.
Understanding the Trade-Off
Many top-name schools offer little to no merit aid. That means families who don’t qualify for need-based aid are stuck paying the full sticker price—which often exceeds $80,000 a year.
What to Consider Before You Commit:
-
Does the school offer merit aid or scholarships beyond need-based packages?
-
How does the net price compare to other schools your student was accepted to?
-
Will you need to dip into retirement funds or take out parent loans?
-
Are there similar programs at schools that offer better aid?
Value Should Trump Prestige
We’re not saying to rule out competitive or well-known universities—but you must consider the long-term financial implications. Student outcomes, like graduation rates and job placement, matter more than a school’s name on a sweatshirt.
You can still find a “dream fit” that delivers academically and financially.
Contact Us Today:
Want help comparing dream schools to real-world financial outcomes?
📞 Call us at 770-662-8510
📅 Schedule a free consultation: Book with Jarad
Or visit our Contact Page: https://diversifiedcollegeplanning.com/contact-us/
