General Discussion

The reality for non-profit colleges and universities is that rarely do students pay the full sticker price. There are a couple of categories of people who pay full freight. One: legacy kids or athletes at Division 3 schools who would not have been admitted otherwise. Two: International students (especially at public universities) who are being charged full freight to make up for budget cuts from the legislature. Three: out of state students at public universities in other states that do not have reciprocity agreements (like neighboring states often do), again this is a way to make up for legislative budget cuts. So, that kid who really wants to go to Alabama to watch Crimson Tide football games but was not a super top flight students from outside Alabama is more likley to pay sticker.


Did a lot of college admissions guidance as a teacher and in my side hustle. The price is only the price after financial aid has been awarded. Then the family says, I can't really afford that and most schools (here not talking about state universities who lack the endowments of many private schools) will be come up with another $2-3K from the endowment. Then the family needs to consider travel and other miscellaneous costs, although often financial aid packages include this in the formula.

When you are ready to make the decision as student and family, then you look at the REAL PRICE after financial aid and should ask a couple of key questions.
1) What is the median starting salary for my projected major (or top two/three choices since many people change) at this school (they have to tell you. It is required federal data. If your major is too niche, they will roll it up to a higher cluster of majors).
2) What percentage of students have a job or placement in grad school within 6 months of graduation
3) What is the retention percentage from first to second year at the school (whether students drop out or transfer often is a big deal)
4) What percentage of students in my major get a paid internship or co-op and what is the typical pay rate? How many semesters/summers?
5) What is my projected total student loan debt as an investment in myself as a student for four years (adjust if you co-op or intern)

If the projected total student loan debt is LESS THAN double the median salary for my major and the job/grad school placement percentages are high, then that is likely to have a good return on investment for your student. If not, then it is not a good choice.

For example, if you went to a university in Ohio and the projected student loan debt was $80K.
Student A majored in elementary education with a median starting salary of 45K (which is above the state average, but maybe well paying districts respect the college of education) but only 50% of graduates have a full time job teaching and not subbing 6 months out. That is a risky choice given the low job placement. Might want to look elsewhere (or rethink the major when you look at student B)

Student B majored in HS Science education concemtration area chemistry and general science. 100% job placemnt and same salary info. That debt is a good investment.

Student C majored in computer science and same projected debt of $80K. Median starting salary is $65K with a 95% job placement. That is a great investment.

Student D wanted to play on the Div 3 Soccer team and has total debt of $200K and majored in computer science. Same stats as student C but this student paid $70K to play soccer competitively for 4 extra years instead of intramurals and recc league. Maybe mom and dad foot the bill, but this student will be in a bad place financially with almost 3 times the median starting salary.

Full freight sticker is not the real number to pay attention when it is your kid, but it does tell you something about funding and the health of a universoties financials and endowments.