College Search

• 2–3 reach schools, 4–6 match schools, 2–3 safety schools you'd be happy at.
• Match on program strength, graduation rate, class size, location and total cost — not rankings.
• Use free tools: College Scorecard, Big Future, and each school's Net Price Calculator.

• Two years at community college + transfer can cut the degree cost in half.
• Check the transfer agreement (articulation) BEFORE you enroll so credits carry.
• Trade programs, apprenticeships and certificates can out-earn some degrees with no debt.

• Graduation rate: under 40% is a red flag.
• Median earnings of graduates vs. median debt of graduates — debt should be under first-year salary.
• Accreditation: regionally accredited schools transfer; unaccredited ones waste your money.

🎬 Episode: The Net Price Reality Check

A $58,000 'dream school' vs a $23,000 state school — run the real math.

1. Sticker price $58,000 − $31,000 grants = $27,000 net price per year.
2. State school $23,000 − $9,000 grants = $14,000 net price per year.
3. Over 4 years that's $108,000 vs $56,000 — a $52,000 difference in loans.
4. Now compare graduate earnings. If they're similar, the cheaper school wins.