A smarter way to choose a college

It’s fall, time for high school seniors to start the college application process. When you and your child are thinking about what colleges your child should apply to it’s important to think in terms of value. A higher cost school doesn’t necessarily translate into a higher income through life. That may be the case initially, but salaries 10 years out of college are determined just as much by the ambition and drive of the student (now an adult) than what college they attended. What is important is to get an education without strapping you or your student with a lot of student loans, and without jeopardizing your retirement by diverting contributions to the college bills.

There are hundreds of good schools out there, but how do you know which ones to apply to? A college counselor can help you find ones that fit your child’s interests, personality and budget. In addition a good counselor can help you find schools that want your student, increasing the possibility of receiving financial aid. Instead of blindly choosing colleges based on name recognition or a neighbor’s recommendation, talk to your high school college counselor or consider a private counselor, who may be worth the cost in what they’ll save you in tuition. Click here for more information about private college counselors.