All posts by Suzanne Shaffer

college costs, college guidance, college planning, financial planning, parenting, Student debt

Is College Worth It? A Parent’s Guide to College ROI and Cost

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is college worth it

If you’ve found yourself Googling “Is college worth it?” or “college ROI vs student debt,” you’re not alone.

As 2026 approaches, more parents and students are asking important questions. As college costs keep rising, parents nationwide are searching for answers about college ROI, student loan debt, and whether a degree still offers long-term value. For families with college-bound teens, understanding the true cost of college, and what return you can realistically expect, has become one of the most crucial financial decisions parents will make.

Let’s honestly discuss what “return on investment” truly means when it comes to college and how parents can evaluate it without turning the process into a math problem that takes away the joy of this milestone.

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campus security, in the news, parenting, safety beyond campus

When a School Shooting Hits Home

school shooting

When news breaks about a school shooting on a college campus, it lands differently for families. Even if the incident occurs far from home, it can feel uncomfortably close, especially for parents with teens who are already in college or preparing to go.

The recent shooting at Brown University forces many families to confront a painful reality: college campuses, once widely viewed as safe and sheltered environments, are not immune to violence. For parents and students alike, the emotional impact can be immediate and overwhelming.

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career planning, careers

Why Choose a Trade School

trade school

Many parents (and students) still assume that a 4-year college is the default “successful” path. But trade (or vocational) schools offer real advantages that, depending on your child’s interests and goals, can lead to well-paying, stable, and fulfilling careers.

Why trade school deserves serious consideration

  • Shorter training, faster entry into the workforce. A typical trade-school program lasts 6 months to 2 years, compared with 4 years (or more) for a bachelor’s degree.
  • Lower cost, less debt. Trade school tuition tends to be much lower than a full four-year degree, meaning your child can start working with little to no student-loan debt.
  • Hands-on, career-focused training. Rather than four years of general education + specialization, trade programs emphasize practical skills that directly apply to a job.
  • Strong demand and growing acceptance. Many trades continue to have high demand for qualified workers. As labor markets shift and tuition costs climb, more families are recognizing trades as legitimate, respectable career paths.

In short, trade school can offer a more direct, affordable, and efficient route into a stable career, especially for students who prefer hands-on work, want to avoid heavy debt, or want to start earning sooner.

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college costs, college planning, in the news, parenting

Top College-Related Searches Parents Made in 2025

college-related searches

If you’ve been helping your teen prepare for college, chances are your Google search history looks a lot like most parents’ right now. From the cost of college to the turbulence around the 2024–25 FAFSA rollout, certain topics are spiking in search because families want clarity fast.

Here’s a roundup of the top college-related searches (and why). More importantly, you’ll find what you can do to get ahead of the stress and support your student confidently.

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financial planning, online learning, parenting

How Online Learning Can Transform Your Financial Habits

online learning

There are a few tried and tested ways to transform your financial habits, but no one ever really thinks about how online learning can help. There are many advantages to learning online that help with money, including learning how to budget better, and greater freedom and flexibility.

Better Financial Literacy

You can use online courses to learn the basics of financial literacy with concepts like compound interest, inflation, and even risk management. When you have foundational knowledge like this, the rest kind of falls into place and becomes much clearer. As a result, you can make informed decisions based on data and experience instead of feeling. The College Investor and other sites like it also have tons of informative articles you can use to get a head start.

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admissions, college costs, college planning, financial aid, financial planning

How Rising Tuition Is Reshaping What College Costs

college costs

If you’re the parent of a college-bound teen, you’ve probably heard the same thing again and again: college costs are rising. Tuition goes up. Fees go up. Housing and meal plans? Also up. And if you’ve ever found yourself staring at those numbers, wondering how families are expected to keep up, you’re definitely not alone.

Tuition increases are changing the entire college-planning conversation for families. Understanding why it’s happening and what it means for your teen’s future can help you plan more confidently.

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college guidance, off-campus housing, parenting, safety beyond campus

Teaching Your College-Bound Teen About Safety Beyond Campus

safety beyond campus

As your teenager prepares for college, the excitement of new independence comes with significant responsibility for personal safety. While campus security receives considerable attention, the surrounding community raises equally important considerations about safety beyond campus. 

College students frequently venture off-campus for social activities, employment, shopping, and entertainment, exposing them to unfamiliar environments and situations. Many students have limited experience navigating urban areas independently or recognizing potentially dangerous situations. 

Equipping your college-bound teen with comprehensive safety knowledge extends far beyond self-defense basics. It includes digital security, transportation safety, financial protection, and situational awareness. These conversations may feel uncomfortable, but they’re essential preparation for the independence and decision-making your student will face. 

This article discusses the essential safety topics every parent should cover before their teen heads off to college.

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admissions, college costs, college guidance, college planning

The Real Cost and Difficulty of Attending an Out-of-State College

out-of-state college

Thinking about a public university across state lines?

If your teen has fallen for an out-of-state college, you’re not alone. Many high school seniors dream of the excitement of a new place, a different climate, or a campus that just “feels right.” But for parents, that dream can come with sticker shock: attending an out-of-state public university is often much more costly and complicated than families expect.

Before you and your student finalize the application list, here’s what every parent needs to understand about the financial and logistical realities of leaving the home state for a public university.

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admissions, college guidance, college news, college planning, college prep, education

Is Early Decision on Its Way Out?

early decison

If you’re the parent of a college-bound teen, you’ve probably heard about Early Decision (ED), the “binding” admissions plan that can sometimes boost your student’s chances of getting into a dream school. But as more families question the fairness of college admissions, some wonder: Is Early Decision on its way out?

The short answer: not yet, but the pressure is building.

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college guidance, college health, college planning, empty nest, health and wellness, independence, parenting

Practical Ways Parents Can Ease Their Child’s College Transition

college transition

Starting college is one of the most defining moments in a young adult’s life. It brings excitement, independence, and uncertainty at the same time. For parents, this shift can feel equally emotional as they watch their child step into adulthood. Offering steady support during this time can make the college transition less overwhelming for both.

Adjusting to college life is often challenging, especially during the first year. Many students struggle to balance academics, friendships, and self-care. A recent CollegeData survey found that one in five freshmen faced difficulty maintaining life balance. This shows why parental guidance is vital for a smoother transition.

Parents play a key role in helping their children adapt with confidence and clarity. By maintaining open communication and offering reassurance, they can help reduce stress and nurture emotional resilience. 

In this blog post, we’ll discuss effective ways parents can support their child’s adjustment and success in college.

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