Parent Feedback
The College Costs Estimator Program

• "Just the fact that somebody in the know took the time to educate those of us who have never dealt with having to finance college costs."
• "The whole program was very helpful, a real eye opener. I have a son already in college and wish I had this information sooner."
• "Just opening my eyes to all the possibilities. I knew my children would go to college. I just didn't realize there were so many options and ways to do it."
• “I did not expect we would be able to consider anything but the least expensive colleges because of our income. I learned it depends on many factors. I will provide and encourage my son to explore several colleges.”

To date, more than 40,000 College Costs Estimators have been processed for students and families providing an early analysis of students' potential need-based financial aid eligibility. Of the Estimators processed, approximately 47% have had estimated Pell Grant eligibility (according to today’s Pell standards), suggesting we are reaching a large number of potentially high financial need students, the exact population we most want to reach through this program.

Following the College Costs Estimator workshops, parents complete anonymous surveys providing feedback on their experience with the program. In surveys completed by more than 19,000 parents, the following data were recorded: 

After receiving their family reports and participating in the workshop, the majority of parents felt their children had more financial options for college.
After participating in this program, nearly 70% of parents felt their students had different college options than previously expected.
Nearly 80% of parents rated the program “Very Helpful” in understanding their family’s situation when it comes to paying for college.
When asked if parents thought the service should be continued for the benefit of others in their communities, 100 % replied yes.