Vanderbilt's Tuition ~$400k...How to Ensure You Don't Pay This Much
Did you see the NYT article from a couple weeks ago?
It highlighted my alma mater, Vanderbilt University...
But unfortunately, the topic wasn't exactly ideal.
Here's the link to the full article if you want to read it.
But all you really need to know is this quote, from the subtitle of the article:
"Some Vanderbilt students will have $100,000 in total expenses for the 2024-25 year."
$100,000
Per YEAR
x4 years
$400,000 for college tuition.
How did we get to this point?!
I have many thoughts on this, including how I do feel these trends are unsustainable and that we'll eventually see the market correct itself, as people will eventually determine the value does not outweigh the costs.
But, to be honest, we're likely still many years from that moment. And for those who have current high school students, especially those that feel you'll be unlikely to receive financial aid...well, you could be staring down the barrel of a $400,000 charge in the near future.
But have no fear - I am here to help.
You see, in our 4-Year, All Inclusive College Confidence Program, our average family receives over $116,000 in college scholarships. ('23 data shows our average to be $116,502 to get very specific). That's college scholarship money that a family will never have to pay back. It's called a 'grant' and means 'free money.' Seriously!
Below I'm going to give you two items, one short and easy...one that will take a little more time for those who are invested in minimizing your eventual out-of-pocket expenses. Let's do it:
The short answer:
When your high schooler receives their acceptance letters senior year in HS...just remember this: College is a business...you are allowed to (and you should!) try to negotiate. Don't believe us? Here's a recording of last year, a family in our paid-for, all inclusive, 4-year program. She used our negotiation advice, had a 7 minute call with admissions, and got herself $52,000 more in scholarships...just because she negotiated.
Remember, it never hurts to ask. If admissions says "Sorry, we can't give you any more money"...then you're in the same spot you were previously.
The long answer:
There are methods to optimal negotiation strategies. There are methods as to whom, exactly, to reach out to. And there are best practices to improving chances of effectiveness (one tip: get your high schooler on board, the odds increase if they make the phone call vs. you)
...but those methods are far too in depth for this newsletter. If you're that next-level style parent who is okay putting in some more work on this front, just reply here with the phrase, "Send over more negotiation tactics!"...and I'll send you the exact lesson our team provides all families in our 4-Year, Start to Finish, All-Inclusive College Confidence Program. It's over 30 minutes w/ actionable worksheet attached. Happy to do so.
To your college planning success,
Jack Delehey
Founder, CollegeConsulting.us
P.S. - Have a high-performing high schooler w/ a 3.7 GPA or higher? We specialize in changing the lives of students just like this, giving them the right structure, mentorship, and accountability to excel in high school...and ultimately gain admission into the college of their dreams. We do it year after year after year. It's not rocket science. But it is a science.
P.P.S - Our most common question is "When should we start?!" The answer is, if you truly care about giving your high schooler the best chance of college planning success, you should start NOW. 9th grade is not too early to start! 10th grade is certainly not too early to start! And 11th grade is far, far too late! (supporting data here to show just how much of an advantage you give your child by starting the process early).
