Student and Family Perceptions of College Cost and Value In 2025

Families are scrutinizing college costs earlier and more intensely than ever before, with seven in 10 students removing schools from their list because they were “too expensive.”

This shift is reshaping enrollment pipelines, and forcing colleges to adapt how they talk about affordability, value, and return on investment.

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On-Demand Webinar

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In this session, EAB expert, Madeleine Rhyneer, shared insights from surveys of more than 30,000 students, including what families really mean when they say “affordable,” how debt aversion shapes choices, and the role of financial aid and scholarships in enrollment decisions.

You’ll learn practical strategies to clarify value, lead with career outcomes, and engage families before cost concerns take students out of your funnel.