Episode 69 - Financial Fit: Beyond Sticker Price

What if the most important college decision isn’t the campus you pick, but whether the price you pay sets your student up for success?In this practical, must-listen episode of Application to Admission, Shereem Herndon-Brown and Timothy L. Fields sit down with Miranda McCall, Associate Vice Provost & Director Financial Support, Duke University and national financial aid expert. Miranda whose own college access story drives her work walks listeners through how to read aid offers, distinguish sticker price from true out‑of‑pocket cost, and spot the hidden expenses that derail even well-intentioned plans.Key topics:Build cost vs. net price: turn aid letters into real out‑of‑pocket comparisonsHidden costs, outside scholarships, and multi‑year aid expectationsLoan guidance: federal student loan limits, Parent PLUS basics, private lenders, and why to avoid income‑share agreementsFAFSA vs. CSS Profile: when each matters and how to complete themPractical advice for single‑parent households, business owners, and students on waitlistsMiranda reframes financial fit as a long‑term decision—one that affects academic choices, career flexibility, and family wellbeing. Essential listening for families, counselors, and students deciding where “yes” will truly lead.🎧 Tune in for clear, actionable steps to prioritize price over prestige and protect your family’s financial future.