It’s exciting when your student falls in love with their “dream school” and as a new year begins, that excitement can start to feel more real as decision deadlines and graduation dates draw closer. As a parent, you want to cheer them on, but you also have to protect your family’s financial well-being. The truth is, college choices aren’t just emotional, they’re financial, too. One of the biggest challenges families face during this season is finding the balance between what your student wants most and what makes sense long-term. The good news: you don’t have to choose between two extremes. With clear information and a realistic view of total costs, you can help your student make a decision that supports their goals and your family’s financial health.
Is Their “Dream School” the Best Fit?
It can be tough to consider, but just because a school is your student’s “dream” doesn’t automatically mean it’s the best overall fit.
Dream schools often have standout academics, big-name reputations, beautiful campuses, and an exciting student-life vibe. But they can also come with higher tuition, fewer scholarship opportunities, limited aid, and living expenses that add up quickly.
A school can feel perfect in the moment but it’s worth looking past the excitement and asking one key question:
Is this choice financially sustainable for our family, and for our student’s future?
What “Financial Fit” Really Means
Financial fit isn’t just “the cheapest school.”
It’s the option your family can afford without long-term financial strain and one that still aligns with your goals, values, and priorities. It’s also about giving your student flexibility: the freedom to take internships, explore career paths, or pursue opportunities after graduation without feeling locked into overwhelming debt payments.
A true financial fit supports not only the next four years, but the next decade of your student’s life.
How to Find the Middle Ground
Balancing your student’s dreams with financial realities starts with understanding the true cost, beyond just tuition. That includes housing, transportation, personal expenses, and the smaller (but very real) fees that can add up quickl
It’s also normal to feel stuck. Costs aren’t always presented clearly, and every college structures financial aid differently. Comparing offers can feel confusing and sometimes downright impossible. For a step-by-step breakdown of what happens after you submit the FAFSA and how to review your offers, check out our previous blog: “FAFSA Submitted: What to Expect Next.
That’s exactly why tools like Red Kite’s College Comparison in your Dashboard exist: to help families make confident, well-informed decisions without drowning in multiple spreadsheets.
How Red Kite Helps You Compare Costs Clearly
With your dashboard, you can:
- See the full cost of attendance and average net price for each school
- Compare financial aid offers side-by-side
- Review scholarships and grants your student may qualify for
When everything is laid out in one place, it’s easier to have open, realistic conversations and keep the “dream school” emotions from overshadowing the big picture.
Your Decision Doesn’t Have to Be Either/Or
Your student’s choice doesn’t have to fall into one extreme. Plenty of students enroll at a school that wasn’t their original “dream,” and end up finding incredible mentors, internships, friendships, and opportunities they never saw coming. On the flip side, choosing a dream school can absolutely be the right call—when the plan to pay for it is clear and sustainable.
A dream school is exciting. A smart financial plan is empowering. The best decision blends both.
Final Thoughts
As decision deadlines get closer, remind your student: the goal isn’t to choose the “most impressive” school or the cheapest one. It’s to choose the school where they can grow, thrive, and graduate with options—without carrying financial stress into their next chapter.
And for parents: having clear information (and a side-by-side comparison) can make these conversations calmer, more supportive, and more productive.
In this week’s newsletter, we’ll cover:
- How to compare financial aid packages step-by-step
- Red flags that may signal a school isn’t a strong financial fit
- How to talk through realistic options without discouraging your student
- How to use Red Kite’s dashboard to make a confident final decision
Make sure you’re signed up for Red Kite as a parent so each newsletter can be sent directly to your inbox!
