Category Archives: college guidance

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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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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career planning, careers, college guidance, college majors, college planning

How to Guide Your Teen in Choosing a College Major

college major

Helping your teen decide on a college major can feel like walking a fine line between offering advice and allowing independence. Many parents worry about whether their child’s choice will lead to a stable career or personal fulfillment.

Parents often feel pressure to help their teens make the “right” choice, especially when the decision can shape future opportunities. However, this stage is as much about personal growth as it is about academics.

Teens are learning to connect their interests with a sense of purpose, and this process takes time. A thoughtful approach encourages curiosity, self-awareness, and confidence, qualities that matter far more than settling on a perfect major from the start. The goal is to create space for exploration while offering the kind of guidance that helps them make thoughtful decisions.

This article explores how parents can help their children choose a meaningful major in college.

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career planning, careers, college guidance, college majors

What Parents Should Know About the Changing Job Market for College Grads

changing job market

The old story went like this: study hard, get into a good college, graduate, and the world opens up. For decades, that narrative shaped how parents and students viewed success. But the ground beneath that story is shifting as graduates face a changing job market.

A Business Insider report found that over 41% of graduates in their early and mid-twenties are underemployed. Many are working in jobs that don’t even require a degree. The diploma that once promised security is no longer a golden ticket. Instead, it’s a starting point in a world that rewards adaptability, creativity, and skill over simple credentials.

So what does this mean for the next generation and for the parents guiding them? Let’s look closer.

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admissions, college guidance, college planning, college prep

Why Are College Admissions So Competitive Today?

college admissions

If you’re a parent of a college-bound student, you’ve probably noticed that the college admissions process feels more stressful. It is also more competitive than it was a decade ago. Maybe you remember your own college search being simpler. You applied to a handful of schools. You wrote one essay. You waited for the mail to bring either a thick or thin envelope.

Today’s students are facing a high-stakes and data-driven system. The system is often confusing. It feels more like an Olympic event than a rite of passage. The question many parents are asking is: What changed?

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career planning, college guidance, college planning, empty nest

How to Survive Going Back to School as an Adult

going back to school

You have been helping your teen get ready for college. It all seems so exciting and you might be wondering what it would be like to go back to school.

If you’ve got a dream that’s been sitting quietly in the back of your mind, maybe going back to school or college has crossed your mind a few times. Whether you want to finish a degree, change careers, or just learn something new for yourself, returning to education can feel like a big step. You might be excited one minute and doubting yourself the next. That’s completely normal. The good thing is, plenty of people do it every year and make it work. You absolutely can too.

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admissions, college guidance, college planning, college prep

New College-Bound Surveys Reveal Politics, AI, and Campus Safety Are Impacting the College Search Process

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college-bound surveys

Enrollment marketing and admissions experts Spark 451, a Jenzabar Company, today announced the findings of its 14th annual College-Bound Student Survey and Parent Survey of College-Bound Students. The research revealed that, while academic quality was the primary factor for both students and parents when choosing a school, campus safety, political climate, and institutional values played key roles in the college decision process.   

The College-Bound surveys were conducted in the summer of 2025 and consist of responses from more than 1,800 graduating high school seniors and 1,400 parents of recent high school graduates from across the U.S.

“Academic quality, cost, and value remain top priorities for both parents and students, but this year’s findings show growing sensitivity to factors like campus safety, political climate, and institutional values,” said Michael McGetrick, Vice President of Creative and Interactive Services for Spark451, a Jenzabar Company. “At the same time, institutions are adapting. By investing in more student-centered recruitment and communication strategies, they’ve improved the admissions experience—70% of students reported being satisfied with the process this year, up from 62% last year.”

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