With college costs escalating, many parents and students wonder if they are getting what they pay for in a college or university. Most people think that a high price tag means a higher quality of education. That is not necessarily true. Many schools are simply overpriced according to America’s Best Value Colleges, 2006 Edition, published by The Princeton Review.

In the following article, “The Importance of Cost,” published on MSN’s Encarta web site, the truth about college costs and education quality is explored.

“Generally, a school’s cost is a pretty good indicator of the quality of the academics it offers. Otherwise, why would perfectly reasonable people shell out so much cash to go to one school over another that charges significantly less? But there are definitely exceptions to that rule. Some schools are simply overpriced. Other schools–like the 81 in America’s Best Value Colleges, 2006 Edition, for instance–are, for one reason or another, exceptionally good deals. There’s a really good chance that you will find happiness and a great education at one of these schools.
Check out America’s Best Value Colleges, 2006 Edition to find out why college tuition keeps rising.

You should also keep in mind that many factors will probably influence your decision about which colleges you apply to and where you ultimately decide to go. In addition to cost, there’s location, size, and your intended major.

Intangible qualities are important too. What’s the school’s reputation? Does the campus look like a little slice of paradise, or does it look like a cross between a concrete-covered Lego formation and a bomb shelter? Will you learn anything? Will you have anything remotely resembling a good time during your four years?

In a nutshell, our advice about how you should choose the best college for you is to take the best deal you can get at a school where you think you’ll find both a great education and the opportunity to be really happy. Attending a school just because it is affordable makes no sense if you are going to be miserable for (at least) four years. College should be fun. On the other hand, it makes no sense to pay out the nose at some swanky private school if you can go to a school that’s cheaper, just as good, and able to provide equally bright prospects for your future.”

Choosing a college and finding the necessary financial aid to pay for college is never an easy thing. High school guidance counselors are bombarded with questions about financial aid, majors and the benefits of private over state schools. As the college application and decision season heats up, help your students and their parents make informed decisions with the following books.

*All books featured in this article can be purchased from the CounselorCompanion web site by following the link.