Key Takeaways
The Princeton Review’s latest rankings highlight colleges that combine academics, affordability and career prospects. For families, the bigger lesson is to look beyond sticker price and consider financial aid, borrowing and potential career outcomes when evaluating the cost of college.
With college costs continuing to climb, families are asking an important question: Will the investment actually pay off?
A new report from The Princeton Review highlights colleges that stand out for their combination of academics, affordability and career prospects. Among its top value schools are Georgia Tech, UNC-Chapel Hill, Harvey Mudd College and the University of Michigan.
But a school’s published price doesn’t tell the whole story. The Princeton Review’s rankings also consider factors such as financial aid, student debt, graduation rates and career services. For example, the average sticker price among the five private schools at the top of its list was nearly $98,000 per year, but the average need-based scholarship was more than $75,000. At the five public schools, the average in-state price was about $38,000, with average need-based grants of nearly $27,000.
That’s an important distinction for families planning for college: the price a college advertises and the amount your family actually pays can be very different.
And ROI isn’t determined by the college alone. A student’s choice of major, financial aid package, borrowing, time to graduation and potential earnings can all influence whether a degree ultimately pays off.
The takeaway: Don’t choose a college based on sticker price or reputation alone. Before committing, compare the expected out-of-pocket cost, financial aid, potential borrowing and career prospects — and consider how the decision fits into your family’s overall financial plan.
Related Bautis Financial Resources
- 7 Steps to Take on the Road to College
- How to Make the Most of College Visitations: Questions to Ask and Factors to Consider
- How to Prepare for the College Admissions Process: A Timeline for Success
- Understanding College Financial Aid Packages: What to Look For and How to Interpret It
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