Every family should interview any college they are considering applying to.  In the news is a case-in-point.  At least one professor at Washington State University (http://www.wsu.edu) threatens a reduction in class grade, even to the point of failing the course, for students who use certain, common words and phrases.  Those include such ordinary words and phrases as male, female, and illegal alien.  (http://www.campusreform.org/?ID=6770) 

 

Whether you find this to be wonderful or horrifying, my point is simply that you must learn in detail what is the academic and social atmosphere of every college to which you plan to apply, and possibly to attend.  Your student must find his or her college a good, personal fit.  Campus visits are also invaluable. Otherwise a transfer may be in your future and an added year of college tuition, room and board and fees. 
 

Make up a set of questions that cover the details of things most important to you.  Ask those questions and make certain they are answered specifically.  

Another example comes from one of my students, a sophomore at a well-known state university.  One of her required courses is "LGBT Families."  Again, if that is within your cultural framework, no problem.  If, however, you would find that problematic as a required course, it is best to know that before applying, much less before matriculating. 
 

One of the points we make with parents is that the college scene, since they graduated, has changed so drastically as to be unrecognizable to them.  There is no safe assumption about campus life, about course work and about costs of attendance.

Succeed Where It Counts, LLC (http://www.succeedwhereitcounts.com) is committed to helping every student find "The Right College, at The Right Price, and to Graduate on Time with The Right Degree."©
 

Three "must know" financial aid changes:

1.  The Perkins Loan program's $5,500 per year in guaranteed loans has not been renewed by Congress.  There will be no new loans offered after Sep 30, 2015.  Students currently benefitting from Perkins Loans will be "grandfathered." The Stafford Loan program remains active in both the subsidized and unsubsidized modes.  Students may borrow up to $5,500 for their freshman year; $6,500, $7,500 and $7,500 in subsequent undergraduate years. read more

2.  Asset Protection Allowance (APA) is a variable within the FAFSA formula. [see formula guide]  Its intended purpose is to fence off certain assets in respect to parents' retirement and old age.  APA amounts are based on the age of the older parent, and their marital status.  The scale has been cut dramatically for the 2016-2017 academic year reduced by 60% or more.   I can't give a specific number because of the variables, but, as an example, a family that would have had more than $52,000 protected from college expenses, will have that reduced to under $19,000.  For most families $33,000 put back in play to cover a college's Cost of Attendance would probably rule out need-based financial aid. 
 

3.  Increased scrutiny of student debt (https://studentaid.ed.gov/-sa/repay-loans/default) is a fact of life for colleges.  With default rates hovering around 20% the Department of Education is encouraging financial aid offices to keep loan awards to a minimum.  The result is that students may not, initially, be offered the full amount of the Stafford Loan they are entitled to.  Students may have to ask if more money is available.  Although student debt is a legitimate concern for us all, student loans can be effectively leveraged by some families to better manage their cash flow during the college years.  
 

Succeed Where It Counts, LLC http://www.succeedwhereitcounts.com is an independent college admissions and financial aid coaching company.  We help students find the Right College, at the Right Price, and to Graduate on Time with the Right Degree.  We can't make college free, but we can help make it affordable.
 

A 529 Plan, should I start one?  We (http://www.succeedwhereitcounts.com) hear that question, or some variation of it, often.  There is no one-size-fits-all answer.  Consider these facts and factors: 

FACTS 

 FACTORS 

Is a 529 Plan right for you?  The facts and factors discussed above, when carefully considered, will help you arrive at the answer.