My latest read, The Price You Pay for College (Ron Lieber), is a new addition to my recommended reading list for families of high school students. I found this book to be very comprehensive, covering not only the big topics in understanding the costs of colleges (merit aid, expected family contribution, 529 college savings accounts, etc.) but also addressing many of the significant factors students might consider in college choice (gap years, community college, honors colleges, etc.).
I particularly enjoyed the chapters on how families might assess the “value” of a college, with questions to ask on college tours about topics like learning outcomes, professor-to-student ratios, and peer interactions. There’s also a helpful chapter on how to understand a financial aid award, and if necessary, how to submit an appeal.
Definitely worth adding to your summer reading list! Bonus points for checking it out from the library and putting those savings into a 529 :)
