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Radford Expert: Look Beyond Sticker Price for True College Cost
• Radford University's David Brod advises families to use net price calculators on college websites for realistic cost estimates beyond published tuition.
• Filing the FAFSA is crucial to unlock federal and state aid, even for families who believe they may not initially qualify for assistance.
• Students must carefully compare financial award letters, prioritizing grants and scholarships over loans that require repayment.
• Brod frames college affordability primarily as a strategic planning challenge rather than solely an issue of family income.
RADFORD, Va. — Navigating the complex landscape of college financing requires moving beyond superficial figures and embracing strategic planning, according to a leading financial aid expert. David Brod, associate vice president of enrollment management and director of financial aid at Radford University, emphasized that a methodical approach is key to managing higher education expenses effectively.
During a recent television appearance, Brod urged families to critically assess the true cost of attendance. “Look past the sticker price. Published tuition is rarely what a family actually pays,” he stated, highlighting the critical tool of net price calculators. These calculators, available on every institution's website, provide personalized estimates incorporating grants and scholarships, offering a far more accurate financial picture before the application process begins. Furthermore, Brod strongly advocates for every family to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), a foundational step that unlocks federal grants and loans, most state-based aid, and numerous institutional scholarship opportunities, regardless of perceived eligibility.
Once aid offers arrive, meticulous comparison is essential. Brod advises families to “read the award letter carefully and compare offers side by side,” with a clear understanding that “grants and scholarships don’t get repaid; loans do.” He recommends seeking out institutions that transparently apply merit-based scholarships and offer guarantees regarding cost coverage. Ultimately, Brod reframes the common narrative around college costs, suggesting that affordability is often “more of a planning problem than an income problem.” He concludes that continuous financial planning, aligned with a student’s evolving academic goals, is the most effective strategy for ensuring a manageable and worthwhile educational investment.