The Biggest College Admissions Myths Debunked | Advice From Our Advisors
Most families make high-stake decisions about colleges based on the common misconceptions. These myths can quietly cost them tens of thousands of dollars over the duration it takes for their children to go through school. Keep reading to hear from our advisors about getting past the goal of just "getting in," and figure out how to keep your long-term financial plan in tact during these costly years.
Debunking Myth 1: "Finances come last - just get in and figure out the money later"
We highly encourage families to make the financial aspect of searching for colleges their top priority, not something to figure out later. Students are advised to consider cost and financial aid alongside academics, campus environment, and location when deciding where to apply. In fact, financial aid and scholarship opportunities are one of the primary factors to review for every school on the list.
From a financial advisor’s perspective, each college represents a multi-year financial commitment with a meaningful impact on your future cash flow. Because of that, it’s important to:
- Look into the typical financial aid packages offered, including how much comes from grants versus loans.
- Evaluate the total cost over all four years, not just the first year.
- Consider how much student debt makes sense based on your anticipated starting salary in your chosen field.
When you factor finances into the process early, you give yourself more flexibility to choose schools that are not only a great personal and academic fit, but also a smart long-term financial decision.
This is tip along with others will be explained in detail by the experts at Admissions Angle on Thursday, February 26th at 6:00pm during our informational webinar. All are welcomed to attend!
Debunking Myth 2: "Only well known, top-ranked schools are worth the money"
One of the most persistent myths in college planning is that only well-known, top-ranked schools are worth the investment. In reality, the value of a college education depends far more on how well a school fits your goals, your field of study, and your financial situation than on its name recognition alone. Many lesser-known universities offer exceptional academic programs, strong career placement rates, and generous financial aid that can significantly reduce your total cost. In some cases, choosing a school where you graduate with little to no debt can put you in a far stronger financial position than attending a prestigious institution with a much higher price tag.
Debunking Myth 3: "Sticker price = what we'll actually pay"
Families often see a $75,000–$85,000 sticker price and assume that number is set in stone, causing them to dismiss schools that may actually be affordable. In reality, the published cost of attendance is rarely what most families pay. The more meaningful figure is the net price after grants and scholarships are applied. By using each school’s Net Price Calculator, families often find that high-priced private colleges can cost far less than expected.
For example, Kalamazoo College has a sticker price in the low-to-mid $70,000 range, but the average cost after grants and scholarships is often closer to the mid-$20,000s.1 Similarly, Hope College lists a sticker price around $60,000–$65,000, yet many students pay significantly less after aid is applied. From a financial standpoint, that can mean the difference between graduating with substantial student loans and paying an amount comparable to a public in-state university. The key takeaway is to run each school’s Net Price Calculator before ruling it out and to compare colleges based on their expected net cost—not the published sticker price.
Debunking Myth 4: "There is a single 'perfect' school that you need to pay whatever it costs to go there"
Admissions Angle frames the college search as a fit‑finding process built on self‑reflection, not a hunt for one magical school. They urge students to think through their academic interests, campus preferences, and long‑term goals, then build a balanced list of options that meet those needs. They also highlight tools like virtual tours, campus visits, online forums, and social media to learn about multiple colleges rather than fixate on one.2
Financially, chasing a “perfect” school at any price can lead to overborrowing, tapping retirement accounts, or sacrificing other goals. A healthier mindset is: several colleges could be great fits; among those, prioritize the ones that offer the best combination of education, experience, and sustainable cost. Treat admission and financial aid offers like any other financial decision compare them, negotiate when appropriate, and choose the option that supports both your education and your long‑term financial health.
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1: https://finaid.kzoo.edu/cost/cost-of-attendance/
2: https://www.admissionsangle.com/blog/tips-for-researching-and-compiling-your-college-list