03/18/2026
The high-stakes buzzer-beaters of March are fun to watch, but the biggest bracket most families will ever fill out is the one that decides how to pay for college. As the college basketball postseason heats up, let it be your reminder that higher education can come with real, rising, multi-year costs (tuition, housing, meals, books, transportation—and the "surprise fees" nobody puts on a highlight reel).
Instead of waiting until senior year to "figure it out," start building your game plan now:
○ Know your numbers early: Compare sticker price vs. net price (what families actually pay after grants/scholarships), and don't forget non-tuition expenses.
○ Treat aid like a deadline-driven season: Key forms and requirements can shift year to year—especially with the ongoing modernization of the federal aid application process—so planning ahead reduces last-minute stress and missed opportunities.
○ Start saving sooner than you think you "need" to: Education savings accounts can offer tax advantages and flexibility, and even small, consistent contributions can add up over time.
○ Build a "full-court press" plan: Combine savings, realistic school lists, scholarships, grants, work-study, and a borrowing strategy that doesn't follow you long after graduation.
Fill out brackets for fun, but build a college-cost strategy on purpose. The earlier you plan, the more options you have when the final bill hits.
