It’s natural to feel that “price tag panic” when looking at tuition numbers. But here is the reality: education is an investment, not just an expense. The goal isn’t to find the cheapest degree—it’s to find the best Return on Investment (ROI) for your child’s future.
The best advice you can give is to be transparent. Sit down and have the “Money Talk.” Show them the budget, explain the difference between a “need” and a “prestige” school, and look for the middle ground. Sometimes, starting at a community college or choosing a high-ranking state school offers the same long-term career launch at half the debt.
Remind them that a degree is a tool. If they use it to build a high-value skill set, the cost becomes a footnote in their success story. Be their financial strategist, not just their financier.