Demystifying the Cost of College: A Parent’s Guide (Feb. 26, 2026)

Key Takeways:

• The vast majority of families do not pay the sticker price." Focus on the net price after grants and scholarship before ruling a school out. - Jill Glaze, Bunker Hill Community College 

• "Don’t guess.” Use each college’s calculator early to estimate what your family might actually pay. - Kelly Nehring, University of San Diego 

• Missing FAFSA or CSS Profile deadlines “can definitely reduce your eligibility,” Staying organized matters.- Kelly Nehring, University of San Diego 

• "Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples.” Review grants vs. loans and evaluate each cost line by line before making a decision. - Lisa Berian, Spelman College