How to Factor In Cost When Applying to College

How to Factor In Cost When Applying to College
Graduates are seen at the 150th commencement ceremony at Howard University in Washington, on May 12, 2018. Reuters/Eric Thayer
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NEW YORK—Picking the right college isn’t just a matter of finding a good fit for a student’s talents and interests, but should also involve what a family can reasonably afford.

As U.S. high school seniors prepare their college wish lists, more parents than ever are scrutinizing the price tags. A recent T. Rowe Price survey on “Parents, Kids & Money” found that 74 percent of parents would be willing to send their kids to a less-expensive school to avoid debt, compared to 61 percent last year.