College is a time for students to learn and grow, both academically and in their personal development. As a parent, you want what’s best for your child, and that includes helping them pick the right college. Finding the right school for your child may require some time and research, and you’ll likely want to make sure you leave the final decision up to your child.
As you consider various factors, it’s important to zero in on the ones that matter the most for your student. Keep reading for more on finding the right college for your child, including how to pay for college.
Key Points
• To find the right college, start by compiling a diverse list of potential colleges, including local and out-of-state options.
• Parents can help by engaging in conversations about their child’s interests and potential majors. Identifying areas of study can help narrow down colleges that excel in those fields.
• It’s important to assess each college’s cost, including tuition, fees, and living expenses. Consider financial aid packages, scholarships, and grants to determine the net price and avoid excessive student loan debt.
• Discuss preferences regarding college location — whether close to home or farther away — and explore campus environments through visits or virtual tours.
• And finally, parents should allow their child the time and space to make their college choice, offering guidance without pressure.
How to Find the Right College for Your Child
Depending on how much time you have to invest in the process, here are some tips that can help you and your child pick the right college for them.
1. Make a List
Start by creating a broad list of colleges for which you and your child might be a good fit. Consider both local and out-of-state colleges, and don’t be afraid to let your student dream big.
Every student is different, so it’s worth curating a diverse list of options to consider. Typically, various rules of thumb suggest students apply to a mix of “target,” “reach,” and “safety” schools. This could be a good way to organize your child’s initial list of schools.
As you work through the other steps in the process and learn more about each school, you can refine the list.
2. Talk About What They Want to Study
Your high schooler may not yet know for sure what they want to do when they’re older, but they may already have an idea of what direction they want to go. It may be worth having an initial conversation with your child about choosing a major.
Once you have an idea of what they’re interested in, you can look at the colleges on your child’s list that excel in those areas of study. If there aren’t many, you could always consider adding more.
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3. Consider the Cost
A college education can get expensive, and some universities charge much more than others. If your child already has an idea of which schools they want to apply for or have already received their admissions letters, a key step is to dig into the cost of attendance for each school.
This step is important regardless of whether you’re planning to help your child cover the cost of their education. Finding a college with good value can reduce how much your student may need to borrow in student loans during their stay.
The cost of attendance isn’t the only important cost factor, however. If your child has already received an admission letter, consider whether there’s a financial aid package included, including grants and scholarships. If there is, calculate the total amount you or your child would have to pay after applying that financial aid to get the net price.
4. Talk About Location
Discuss with your child about whether they would prefer a college close to home or far away. Each person is different in this regard, and your teen’s desires on the matter are important.
That said, sending a child off to college, especially out-of-state, can be a stressful experience for parents. It’s normal to feel anxious about this milestone in your child’s life, but avoid allowing your anxiety to dictate your role in the process.
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Explore information about student loans,
grants, and scholarships per state.
5. Learn About the Environment
Finding the right college for your child isn’t just about the school itself; it’s also about the environment the school provides. This is where it can be worth making a trip to visit college campuses with your child to get a feel of the place — or at least to take virtual tours.
It may also be worthwhile to look into some of the extracurricular activities the schools provide. If your child is athletic, for instance, ask about intramural sports. If they want to study abroad, look into the quality of each school’s international programs.
Another factor to consider that can affect your child’s experience is classroom size. If you think your child may need more attention, a school where every class is in an auditorium with hundreds of other students may not be the right one.
6. Give Your Child Time
Picking a college may be easy for some students, but it can take time for others. If your teen is having a hard time, it can be a fine line between supporting them and annoying them. Finding the right balance can be tricky.
As a happy medium, consider choosing a night each week to discuss college plans with your teen. Ask about their thought process and offer help if they’re feeling stuck.
It can be frustrating to sit back and watch your child struggle, but allowing them to make the decision for themselves can help them develop the independence they’ll need in the coming months and years.
7. Be Supportive
No matter what your child decides, they need your support more than anything else. Remember that you’re finding the right college for your child, not for you.
And keep in mind that your child may choose to transfer at some point in the future if they decide the school is no longer a good fit.
Regardless of what happens, your support can give them the confidence they need to make their college experience a good one.
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Financing Your Child’s College
Once your child has picked a college, talk about how they’re going to finance their education. If you’ve managed to set money aside in a 529 plan or can help with your current income and savings, discuss the numbers and whether your teen will need to pick up some of the slack.
Also, talk about student loans and how to use them wisely, as well as how to reduce how much they’ll need to borrow. Ideas include applying for scholarships and grants, working part-time, and borrowing only what they need.
Other options to look into include federal Parent PLUS Loans or parent student loans to help fund their education. If all federal aid options have been exhausted, students can also turn to private student loans.
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The Takeaway
Choosing the right college for your child is a collaborative journey that balances academic aspirations, financial considerations, and personal growth. The ideal college is one where your child feels challenged, supported, and inspired to thrive. By focusing on what matters most to them and maintaining open communication, you can help ensure they embark on a fulfilling college experience.
To finance your child’s college education, you can rely on cash savings, scholarships, grants, federal student loans, and private student loans.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
FAQ
How can parents and students begin the college search process?
Start by building a broad list of colleges, including public, private, in-state, and out-of-state options. Research academic programs, campus culture, and admissions criteria. Include safety, match, and reach schools to provide flexibility and realistic choices. Narrow the list through visits, conversations, and further research together as a team.
What financial factors should be considered when selecting a college?
Families should compare tuition, fees, housing, and other costs, as well as the availability of financial aid, scholarships, and grants. Understanding each school’s net price — what you actually pay after aid — is key. Consider long-term implications, like student loan debt and affordability over four years, when making decisions.
How does location influence the college decision?
Location affects everything from travel expenses and weather to social life and access to internships. A student may thrive in an urban campus with industry opportunities or prefer a rural, close-knit environment. Being honest about preferences and visiting campuses can help determine the best geographic and cultural fit.
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