Balancing Dreams and Dollars: Supporting Your Child’s College Choice

By Julie Meissner

The decision about where to go to college often arrives with equal parts excitement and overwhelm—for students and for parents. For many families, this is one of the first moments when long-term planning, personal values, and real financial tradeoffs all sit at the same table. The stakes feel high. The dreams are big. And the fine print can be hard to parse.

If your child is in the thick of college acceptances and decision-making, you may find yourself balancing their enthusiasm with a quiet undercurrent of practicality. And that’s okay. This can be one of the most exciting seasons in your child’s life, full of both possibility and pride. Helping them understand how to weigh costs, outcomes, and opportunities doesn’t mean you’re squashing a dream—it means you’re helping them frame the decision in a way that supports their future.

Start with Curiosity, Not Conclusions

Before diving into the details, take a moment to appreciate the bigger picture here—your child has options! It’s easy to jump straight to comparisons: private vs. public, dream school vs. safety net, name recognition vs. scholarship package. But before getting too deep into the spreadsheets, try starting with questions.

What kind of experience are they hoping for? What do they imagine for their life after college? What support systems matter most to them?

This is a good time to talk about major choices and possible career paths—not to lock anything in, but to help connect dots between what they’re drawn to and what kind of school environment might best support it. Some universities are strong across the board. Others shine in specific programs. And some may offer more flexibility for students who need time to explore.

The goal isn’t to find one perfect answer, but to begin noticing which trade-offs feel acceptable—and which don’t.

Look at the Full Financial Picture

College costs are rarely straightforward. Even with financial aid offers in hand, it’s not always clear what the real out-of-pocket cost will be. It’s worth sitting down together to look closely at:

• Tuition and fees
• Room and board
• Meal plans and travel expenses
• Books and supplies
• Grants, scholarships, and work-study
• Federal or private loan options

You may find that a school with a higher sticker price offers more generous aid. Or that a full-ride scholarship to a less “prestigious” school opens doors your family hadn’t considered before.

This is a good time to revisit conversations you may have already had about college funding—whether through savings plans, cash flow, or loans. If you’re not sure where to start, our previous blog on planning for college expenses walks through how to approach saving and spending in a way that supports both your student’s future and your own financial well-being.

If your child is drawn to a specific offer, walk through the numbers together—not to discourage, but to help them understand what they’re committing to. For students, in particular, this might be their first real look at long-term debt and its impact.

Consider the Outcomes—Not Just the Experience

College is about more than job preparation. But it’s also true that certain schools and programs lead to different outcomes. When comparing options, consider:

• Graduation rates
• Support for internships or co-op programs
• Access to alumni networks
• Job placement rates
• Starting salaries by major

These aren’t the only factors, but they can offer a helpful view of how each school supports life after graduation—and what kind of return a family might expect on the investment.

The U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard is a good place to start. And if your child is still unsure about a major, that’s okay too. In that case, it may make sense to choose a school that allows for exploration without too much risk of extended time—or added cost.

Don’t Skip the “What Ifs”

Some of the most helpful conversations happen when we explore the ‘what ifs’—not to worry, but to plan with clarity and confidence. What if your child changes majors? Wants to transfer? Needs a fifth year? What if family circumstances change?

A school that looks like the best fit today may not be the most flexible over time. Helping your child understand that unexpected pivots are part of life—and that good planning includes room for them—can offer peace of mind for everyone involved.

Reframing the Decision Together

College decisions don’t happen in isolation—they ripple outward. And while it’s natural for students to focus on what feels most exciting right now, parents often hold a broader view: how this choice fits into the family’s overall financial plan, and what it means for future goals.

It’s okay to share that perspective. Not as a roadblock, but as part of the conversation. If you’ve already mapped out what your family can contribute or how college fits into your broader financial plan, this is a good time to revisit that framework with your child. It gives them context and helps anchor their decision in both values and reality. With this clarity, you’re not just preparing them for college but helping them step into the future with both confidence and purpose.

If you’d like help reviewing financial aid packages, thinking through college savings plans, or mapping out the long-term picture, our team at Treehouse Wealth Advisors is here to support you and your family through it. Let’s make a plan that balances where your child wants to go with where you all want to land.