Okay. So let's be honest Mhmm. Right up front. Mhmm. Like, for anyone who's starting to think about college applications Yeah.
Speaker 1:It can feel like a lot. Right? I mean, there are literally thousands of colleges in the US.
Speaker 2:It is super overwhelming for sure.
Speaker 1:And then you hear all these terms, like public and private community college online colleges, and it's like,
Speaker 2:It is a lot.
Speaker 1:But where do I even begin?
Speaker 2:You're like, okay. So what's the difference between those things?
Speaker 1:Exactly. Yeah. And that is precisely why we're doing this deep dive today.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:So we're not gonna sit here and, like, you know, tell you the best college because, frankly, that doesn't exist.
Speaker 2:Yeah. There's no one perfect college for everybody.
Speaker 1:Right. It's all about figuring out the best fit for you.
Speaker 2:Right. And I think it's helpful to think about it, like, you know, before you even start looking at specific schools, you gotta understand what the different types are.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:You know, just like if you're
Speaker 1:It's like looking at a restaurant menu. Right? You're not gonna pick something if you don't even know what kind of food it is.
Speaker 2:Mhmm. Exactly. Yeah. You're not gonna order if you don't know what kind of cuisine you're in the mood for. Right?
Speaker 1:Exactly. So let's kinda break down the main categories. So one of the biggest distinctions that you hear a lot about is public versus private colleges.
Speaker 2:Right. And I think a lot of people think, well, one is expensive and one is not expensive, but it's not always that simple.
Speaker 1:Right. And one of the main differences obviously comes down to funding. Yes. So public colleges get a good amount of their funding from the state Right. Which means that they can offer lower tuition rates, particularly for residents who live in that state.
Speaker 2:It's like a discount at your local grocery store. Right? Yeah. Because you're you're a local.
Speaker 1:Exactly.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:And and it's pretty significant when you look at the numbers. Mhmm. Our source is saying that, like, the average in state tuition for a public college is about $9,000 per year
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:Which is a lot less than the average tuition for a private college, which is over $35,000 per year.
Speaker 2:Right. That's a big gap.
Speaker 1:It is a massive gap.
Speaker 2:Yeah. But like I said, it's not always that simple. Yeah. Because if you go to a public school out of state
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:It can be just as expensive or maybe even more.
Speaker 1:Yeah. You don't get that discount. You
Speaker 2:don't get that state resident discount. Right?
Speaker 1:Right. And then you have to think about room and board.
Speaker 2:Right. All of the other expenses.
Speaker 1:And fees and all that stuff adds up.
Speaker 2:It adds up really quick.
Speaker 1:Yeah. So it's not just about the the tuition itself.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:You really have to think about the total cost of attendance.
Speaker 2:Totally. And I also think while cost is a major factor for a lot of people
Speaker 1:Of course.
Speaker 2:It can't be the only thing you consider because, you know, private colleges, although they might be more expensive, they do often offer, you know, things like smaller class sizes Uh-huh. More personalized attention from professors.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:That's a really different learning environment.
Speaker 1:But wouldn't those things be outweighed for a lot of people if they cost so much more?
Speaker 2:That's a great question. And I think for some people, yes. But for some people, no.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:It really depends on what you as a student are looking for and what your priorities are. Because, you know, some students, mhmm,
Speaker 1:they really need that personalized attention.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:They want that small classroom environment where they can, you know, talk to their professor Yeah. Interact with their classmates, and you're not gonna get that as much at a larger public university.
Speaker 2:Yeah. It sounds like a trade off.
Speaker 1:It is a trade off.
Speaker 2:Potentially paying more for a more tailored experience.
Speaker 1:Exactly. And I think something else to think about is Yeah. Private schools because they often have more resources. Uh-huh. They tend to have more specialized programs.
Speaker 2:Oh, this is where I get interested. Yeah. So give us some examples. Like, what does that mean in the real world? Like So
Speaker 1:yeah. So let me
Speaker 2:kind of specialized program are we talking about?
Speaker 1:So let's say, for example, you are really passionate about sustainable agriculture.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:So a private school might offer a program that's very unique, and it combines hands on farming experience
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:With, like, cutting edge research on, you know, vertical farming.
Speaker 2:Interesting.
Speaker 1:And that might not be something you would find at a larger public university.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Or let's say you're really interested in historical preservation.
Speaker 1:Mhmm.
Speaker 2:You know, a private college might have a program that's very dedicated to that, and it partners with, like, local museums and historical societies That'd be cool. Where you can get real world experience. Yeah. So, you know, it's about finding those very niche areas of study Okay. Where private colleges can kind of focus their expertise and their resources.
Speaker 1:I got it. Yeah. Okay. So we've talked about public and private.
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:Let's move on to community colleges
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:Which I think a lot of times get overlooked.
Speaker 2:They do.
Speaker 1:Or seen as like a backup plan.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Sort of like a plan b.
Speaker 1:Right. But in our source, it sounds like they're presenting it as a very strategic option Definitely. Especially for people who are maybe worried about saving money
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Or maybe even exploring a different career path.
Speaker 2:Totally.
Speaker 1:So I wanna talk about this 2 plus 2 pathway that you mentioned earlier
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:Because it seems like this is becoming a more popular way Yeah. For people to be cost conscious and still earn a bachelor's degree.
Speaker 2:Right. So 2 plus 2 basically means that you're spending 2 years at a community college.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:You get your associate's degree, and then you transfer to a 4 year university.
Speaker 1:Got it.
Speaker 2:And it is a fantastic option
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:If you're trying to save money in those first first two years.
Speaker 1:Yeah. Because our source is saying that the average tuition at a community college is, like, $38100 a year
Speaker 2:Yeah. It's much cheaper.
Speaker 1:Which is less than half
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:Of what it costs to go to a 4 year college, even a public college.
Speaker 2:Especially in those first two years when you're taking those basic courses. You know?
Speaker 1:Right. Yeah. So that makes a huge difference, especially for families who are worried about taking on a lot of debt.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Or, you know, maybe even if you're not sure what you wanna major in
Speaker 1:Uh-huh.
Speaker 2:It gives you some time to explore some different options. You know?
Speaker 1:Oh, so it's not just about the money. Right. It's also about maybe having that flexibility
Speaker 2:Totally.
Speaker 1:To kinda figure out what you wanna do.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Yeah. And you might even discover a passion for something you hadn't even thought of before.
Speaker 1:Yeah. And community colleges aren't just about transferring to a 4 year university. Yeah. You can go and get an associate's degree
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:Or a certificate Mhmm. In a program that leads directly to a career.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Like, a lot of community colleges have excellent programs in, like, you know, health care
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:IT skilled trades, which are in high demand right now.
Speaker 1:Right. So you could graduate with an associate's degree, let's say, in web development Totally. And get right into the workforce.
Speaker 2:Right into the workforce.
Speaker 1:Or you could use that as a stepping stone to go get a bachelor's in computer science.
Speaker 2:Exactly. So you've got a lot of options. Yeah. Multiple pathways.
Speaker 1:Wow. This is giving me a whole new perspective on community college.
Speaker 2:I'm glad.
Speaker 1:It's not just a backup.
Speaker 2:Right. Yeah.
Speaker 1:Like a strategic choice that can lead to a fulfilling career or even a more affordable path to that bachelor's degree.
Speaker 2:I love that. Yeah. It's all about choosing the right path Yeah. For you.
Speaker 1:Speaking of choosing the right path, I think we need to talk about online colleges because these have really exploded in popularity.
Speaker 2:They have and for good reason.
Speaker 1:Right. Yeah. I mean, it seems like the flexibility is one of the main draws here.
Speaker 2:Yeah. I think online colleges have really made education Yeah. Accessible for a lot of people
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:By removing those geographical limitations.
Speaker 1:Right. So, like, if you're someone who lives in a rural area Right. Or maybe you don't have access to traditional colleges Mhmm. Or you just can't relocate for school Yeah. This is a game changer.
Speaker 2:It is.
Speaker 1:And it's not just about location either. No. Like, you can't get this kind of flexibility with brick and mortar schools.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Yeah. I mean, I'm thinking about parents, right, who are working full time Mhmm. Who are raising families
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Who are taking care of elderly parents.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:This allows them to fit education into their busy lives.
Speaker 2:Exactly. You can go to class in your pajamas.
Speaker 1:And not upend everything.
Speaker 2:In the middle of the night on your own time or at your own pace.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:It's really great for people who need that flexibility.
Speaker 1:But I have to wonder, like, with all this flexibility, does the quality of education suffer?
Speaker 2:That's a really common question.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:And it's a valid concern
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Because not all online programs are created equal. So I think the most important thing is to really do your research
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:And make sure that the program is accredited.
Speaker 1:Okay. So accreditation basically means that some independent body has reviewed the program
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:And is, like, yep. This meets quality standards.
Speaker 2:Like a seal of approval.
Speaker 1:Okay. Yeah. And beyond accreditation, I'm assuming you'd wanna look at, you know, the faculty's credentials, the curriculum, the church's rigorous.
Speaker 2:Right. What kind of student support services do they offer?
Speaker 1:So, basically, the same thing you would do with a traditional college, just make sure it's a good fit.
Speaker 2:Exact. Treat it the same as you would if you were evaluating a brick and mortar school.
Speaker 1:Okay. So we got public colleges, private colleges, community colleges, online colleges. That's a lot to consider.
Speaker 2:It is.
Speaker 1:It sounds like there's no single best type. It really comes down to, you know, what you're looking for.
Speaker 2:Individual needs and goals. Yeah. It really does come down the individual, and that's where I think the decision making gets really interesting.
Speaker 1:Right. Because, like, understanding the different types is just step 1. Yeah. Now the real work is kind of figuring out, like, what matters to you. Right.
Speaker 2:What are your priorities?
Speaker 1:Yeah. And, like, what are your goals?
Speaker 2:Yeah. It's like planning a trip. Right? Like, you might know where you wanna go.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:But you gotta think about how are you gonna get there.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:How much can you spend? What are the things you wanna see along the way?
Speaker 1:So what are some of those key factors that people should be thinking about when they're trying to narrow down their choices?
Speaker 2:Well, I always think academics are a good place to start. Like, what do you wanna study? Like, are you someone who wants to be challenged academically?
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Do you wanna go to a school that has, you know, a very rigorous academic program.
Speaker 1:Right. Are you really drawn to, like, a particular program Yeah. Or research area?
Speaker 2:Yeah. Exactly. I mean, you're not gonna pick a school that's known for engineering Right. If you wanna be a writer.
Speaker 1:Yeah. You're not gonna be happy. Right. Okay. So academics, and then I think we have to talk about cost.
Speaker 2:Oh, yeah.
Speaker 1:Because it's no secret that college is expensive.
Speaker 2:It's expensive. Yeah. And I think it's important to be realistic
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:About what you can actually afford.
Speaker 1:And when when we talk about affordability Yeah. I think we need to go beyond just the sticker price of tuition.
Speaker 2:Yes. Totally.
Speaker 1:Because you have to think about room and board. You have to think about fees. You have to think about books, personal expenses. Yeah. All of that adds up.
Speaker 2:All of that adds up. Yeah. And I think it's a good point to talk about financial aid here.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Because a lot of people, I think, don't realize that there's so many different types of financial aid available. Yeah. You know, there are grants. There are scholarships. There are loans, and there's also work study programs.
Speaker 1:So, like, grants and scholarships, basically, that's free money that you don't have to pay back.
Speaker 2:That's right.
Speaker 1:The loans, obviously, you're gonna have pay back with the and then work study allows you to work part time, usually on campus.
Speaker 2:Yeah. To help offset the cost.
Speaker 1:Yeah. So it's really crucial to explore all those options Totally. And figure out what you might be eligible for.
Speaker 2:Right. And I think it's really helpful to have those conversations with your family
Speaker 1:Absolutely.
Speaker 2:About, you know, what you can afford Yeah. What kind of help you might need.
Speaker 1:Transparency is key.
Speaker 2:Transparency is key.
Speaker 1:Okay. So academics, finances, and I think the other big one is location.
Speaker 2:Location. Location. Location.
Speaker 1:Like, where do you wanna be Right. For these really important years?
Speaker 2:Yeah. I mean, do you wanna be in a big city?
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Do you wanna be in a small town? Do you want to be close to home?
Speaker 1:Yes.
Speaker 2:Far away from home?
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:It can really make a difference.
Speaker 1:Huge impact.
Speaker 2:And your overall experience.
Speaker 1:Yeah. And don't forget about, like, the social aspect
Speaker 2:Oh, yeah.
Speaker 1:Of college. Like Right. Do you wanna be at a huge school Yeah. With tons of people and, like, a big party scene Right. Or do you prefer something smaller?
Speaker 2:A little more intimate.
Speaker 1:More close knit. Right. Yeah. It's about finding the right balance.
Speaker 2:It really is because some people, you know, they want that big university feel.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:But some people feel lost in that kind of environment.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:So it's really about knowing yourself and knowing what's gonna be a good fit.
Speaker 1:Okay. And then what about class size?
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Because that can really make a difference too. Right?
Speaker 2:Absolutely. Like, do you want to be in a class with 300 people, or do you wanna be in a class with 15 people?
Speaker 1:Right. Do you like that 1 on 1 interaction? Yeah. Or are you okay being kinda like a face in the crowd?
Speaker 2:And I think a lot of that goes back to learning styles too.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Some people are really auditory learners. Uh-huh. So they do well in big lecture halls.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:But other people need a more visual Uh-huh. Or hands on approach.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:So, again, you know, it's all about knowing how you learn best and then finding a school that offers
Speaker 1:that. Okay. So we're talking about academics. We're talking about social life. We're talking about cost, location.
Speaker 1:Mhmm. But I think it's important to remember that you're not just going to college for the sake of going to college. Wrong. Yeah. You're going to college to hopefully prepare for some kind of career.
Speaker 2:Yeah. You're thinking about your future.
Speaker 1:Exactly. So what kind of support does the college offer?
Speaker 2:Right. Do they have a good career services office? Yeah. Do they have internships? Are there job placement opportunities?
Speaker 1:Right. Because those resources can be so helpful
Speaker 2:They're so helpful.
Speaker 1:When you're making that transition from the academic world to the professional world.
Speaker 2:It can be a tough transition. And, you know, don't forget about the power of alumni networks too.
Speaker 1:Oh, yeah.
Speaker 2:I mean, a strong alumni network can really open doors
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:You know, to job opportunities, to mentorship Uh-huh. Maybe even just industry connections.
Speaker 1:Wow. This is making me realize how much goes into this.
Speaker 2:It's a lot.
Speaker 1:It's not just about picking a school with a good name. Right. It's really about all these factors.
Speaker 2:It's holistic.
Speaker 1:Finding a place that really matches you.
Speaker 2:Yes. Finding the right fit.
Speaker 1:It's about you and your values.
Speaker 2:And your vision.
Speaker 1:Your aspirations for the future.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It's not about following the crowd. It's about, you know, making an an informed choice.
Speaker 1:You're making me think about all the different paths that someone could take after high school.
Speaker 2:Oh, yeah.
Speaker 1:It doesn't have to be that traditional 4 year college route right away.
Speaker 2:Right. And that's a really important point because there are so many different ways to get an education.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:You know, we've talked about community colleges, but there are also vocational schools
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Trade schools, apprenticeship programs.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:And those can be really great options.
Speaker 1:Yeah. So just kinda broadening your horizons.
Speaker 2:Totally. And, you know, don't be afraid to think outside the box a little bit. Yeah. Maybe you take a gap year
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Before you start college
Speaker 1:Uh-huh.
Speaker 2:To travel to work, to volunteer.
Speaker 1:Or maybe you do a combination of online and in person. Exactly.
Speaker 2:Yeah. There's no right or wrong answer.
Speaker 1:It's about creating that personalized plan.
Speaker 2:Yes. It's your journey.
Speaker 1:So with all this, how do we navigate this without getting totally overwhelmed?
Speaker 2:I think it's about breaking it down into smaller steps.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:You know, start by really figuring out what you're interested in.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Do your research.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Talk to people who have already gone through this process.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:You know, the more informed you are Yeah. The more confident you'll feel.
Speaker 1:And don't be afraid to ask for
Speaker 2:help. Exactly.
Speaker 1:There are guidance counselors, college advisers, even online resources.
Speaker 2:So many resources available Yeah. To help you.
Speaker 1:To help you through this journey.
Speaker 2:Yeah. And at the end of the day, it's your journey.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:It's about finding what's gonna be meaningful and fulfilling for you.
Speaker 1:So it sounds like the key here is to approach this with curiosity
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:And be willing to explore.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. And not be afraid to, you know, think about options that you hadn't considered before.
Speaker 1:Yeah. Don't limit yourself.
Speaker 2:Right. Exactly. Because there's no perfect college.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:It's really about finding that best fit for you or your student.
Speaker 1:Yeah. It's like trying on clothes. Yes. You might think you know what you want.
Speaker 2:Right?
Speaker 1:But until you try it on
Speaker 2:You don't know.
Speaker 1:You don't really know.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:And trust your gut Yeah. Like, if a college feels right
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:Even if it doesn't check all the boxes.
Speaker 2:Sometimes that gut feeling is the most important thing.
Speaker 1:It's worth looking into. Yeah. So this has been incredibly insightful. I feel like I've learned a lot I've had about you. At the different types of colleges.
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:But you had to kind of, like, sum it all up. Yeah. What would be the one key takeaway?
Speaker 2:I think the most important thing to remember is that it's not a one size fits all process.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:What works for one person might not work for another. Yeah. You know? Yeah. So it's really about understanding your own strengths, your goals, your values, and finding a school that really, you know, supports and celebrates who you are.
Speaker 1:I love that. And I think it really speaks to the idea of empowerment.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:Like, this doesn't have to be a scary overwhelming thing.
Speaker 2:It should be.
Speaker 1:It can be exciting.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:It's about, you know, taking control of your choices
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:And creating an educational experience that really, like you said, reflects your vision for the future.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And I think that's where technology can be really helpful.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:You know, there are some amazing resources out there that can help make this process easier
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:And personalized. Yeah.
Speaker 1:And that reminds me, we haven't even talked about College Journey.
Speaker 2:Oh, yes.
Speaker 1:Which has been making waves with this AI powered guide, Alice.
Speaker 2:Yes. Alice is great.
Speaker 1:From what I've heard, Alice basically acts as like a virtual college counselor
Speaker 2:That's right.
Speaker 1:Giving you personalized recommendations based on your interests, your academic profile, even your budget
Speaker 2:It's like having a college expert in your pocket.
Speaker 1:Available 247 Yeah. To answer all your questions.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:So if you're feeling overwhelmed
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:Or you just need some extra guidance
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Definitely check out college journey analysis.
Speaker 2:It's a fantastic resource.
Speaker 1:Okay. Well, this has been another fantastic deep dive.
Speaker 2:It has.
Speaker 1:Thanks for joining me.
Speaker 2:Thanks for having me.