How should cost factor into my choice of college?

How should cost factor into my choice of college?

Basically, it's somewhat of a family decision. Although the student often will decide based on their visits and the research they've done on the school, and where they've been accepted and where they would like to go, families oftentimes play a huge role in this as well. And it's really what the family can afford to do, and what the student is willing to do. It's a huge factor. That's why some students choose to go to community college for two years: spend less, and then invest in a university for the last two years. When cost is no factor, families can spend up to $45,000 or $50,000 a year on their child's education.