College Cost & Path Decision Planner Affordability & Readiness

Interactive Planner Active
Real-World Parent Advisory: As discussed in community perspectives, not having saved tens of thousands does not mean post-secondary education is off the table. Transparently evaluate alternative paths—like community college transfers and trades—while calculating how realistic student part-time work bridges the gap.
Presets:
1. Student & Family Profile
1 = Needs local structure / 5 = Highly autonomous self-starter
Based on 52 weeks/year work potential
2. Select Educational Pathway
Custom Institution Benchmarks:
Community College + 2-Year Transfer Academic Readiness: 3/5
Total Est. Cost
18000
Tuition & learning materials
Est. Student Work Earnings
16640
52 wks × 20 hrs @ $16/hr
Net Financial Gap
1360
Cost minus Student Work
Family Savings Available: $1,200 Uncovered Out-of-Pocket: $160
All Pathway Cost vs. Student Earning Potential Net Debt Horizon
Recommended Conversation Strategy with Alex

Acknowledge financial constraints openly, praise their ambition, and propose starting at community college to cut tuition by 75% while keeping debt manageable.

Conversation Objective: Frame this as a financial strategy partnership rather than parental rejection. Highlight that taking general education courses at a community college grants identical transferable university credits with a fraction of lifelong student loan baggage.
Pathway Estimated Cost Student Earnings Net Gap Debt Risk
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