Ron Lieber

I sat down with Ron Lieber, the New York Times “Your Money” columnist, to tackle one of the most stressful financial decisions any family faces: the cost of college. With headlines screaming about AI-driven job market disruptions and tuition hitting record highs, we’re digging into the math and the mindset shifts required to navigate higher education in 2026. We explore whether a computer science degree is still a “safe bet,” how to find the “return on friendship,” and why your strategy for negotiating financial aid needs to start with empathy. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Spotify Youtube Key Takeaways The $31,000 Safety Zone: Undergraduates should aim to keep total federal borrowing around $31,000. This creates a manageable monthly payment of roughly $350–$400, which is a reasonable bet even in an uncertain economy. Longevity of the Degree: While entry-level STEM jobs are facing a short-term squeeze from large language models, the long-term data still holds: bachelor’s degree holders out-earn non-degree holders by hundreds of thousands of dollars over their lifetime. The “Return on Friendship”: We often ignore the social capital of college. Ron emphasizes shopping for schools with strong alumni “binds”—networks where graduates actively “throw the rope back” to help new alumni land their first roles. Negotiating with Empathy: Financial aid officers often earn less than the families they are helping. Approach these conversations with kindness and human connection rather than treating it like a high-stakes used car sale. The Community College “90th Percentile”: Using community college as a 2+2 launching pad is a brilliant money-saver, but it requires high-level “executive functioning” to ensure every credit transfers and that you don’t lose time in the workforce. Resources The Price You Pay for College, a book by Ron Lieber – https://amzn.to/3RauylM Ron Lieber’s profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronlieber/ Ron Lieber’s website – https://www.ronlieber.com Stay in the loop – https://affordanything.com/newsletter Join the YFRP waitlist – https://courses.affordanything.com/ Chapters Note: Timestamps

#711: A computer science degree used to feel like a sure thing. Job placement rates topped 90 percent. Starting salaries cleared $80,000. You could do the math on your student loans before you enrolled. That math doesn't work the same way anymore. New York Times "Your Money" columnist Ron Lieber joins us to walk through what families actually need to know before borrowing for college. He covers how to use the federal College Scorecard to look up earnings by school and by major. He explains why the scariest student loan headlines are almost always about graduate school rather than undergraduate debt. And he makes the case that liberal arts majors tend to catch up to their STEM peers by mid-career - even if the early numbers don't show it. Lieber also makes a case that the financial return on college extends beyond salary data. Alumni networks, mentorship, and lifelong friendships all factor into the equation. He suggests asking schools pointed questions about reunion attendance and alumni giving rates as a way to gauge how connected - and how useful - a community actually stays after graduation. On the debt question, Lieber draws a clear line between federal undergraduate loans, which cap around $31,000, and the more dangerous combinations of Parent PLUS loans and private debt that drive the horror stories you see in the news. He also addresses the community college path in detail - including what it actually takes to pull it off without losing time or credits along the way. The conversation closes with a framework for parents: keep sparking conversations with your kids, stay curious about what they're drawn to, and treat yourself less as an advice-giver and more as someone planting seeds. Share this episode with a friend, colleagues, and your college student: https://affordanything.com/episode711 Timestamps: Note: Timestamps will vary on individual listening devices based on dynamic advertising run times. The provided timestamps are approximate and may be several minutes off due to changing ad lengths. (00:00) No BLS jobs report today (01:41) Ron Lieber intro – NYT personal finance columnist, student debt expert (02:41) College still worth it? Ron says yes, despite tough entry-level job market (05:03) How to use the College Scorecard (06:27) Liberal arts majors often catch up by mid-career (07:17) The non-financial ROI of college (15:08) How much debt is too much? Federal undergrad cap is $31,000 (18:31) Community college as a launchpad; savings potential, but requires high executive functioning (21:36) Scary student debt headlines are mostly about grad school, not undergrad (24:39) AI and shifting willingness to pay; colleges facing enrollment pressure (37:00) Financial aid office dynamics (40:39) Peak 18-year-olds; demographic cliff hits colleges differently by region (45:54) Location matters; urban schools have recruiter and networking advantages (54:11) Framework for parents and students; stay curious Resource: Ron Lieber's book - The Price You Pay for College: An Entirely New Roadmap for the Biggest Financial Decision Your Family Will Ever Make Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

College decisions reveal more than numbers; they reveal what we value most. Discover how to align your financial choices with the legacy you want to build for your family. Money meets meaning in this candid conversation between Jude Boudreaux, Caleb Arringdale, and Ron Lieber, New York Times columnist and author of The Price You Pay for College and The Opposite of Spoiled . Together, they unpack the emotions and realities behind one of life’s biggest financial crossroads: sending your child to college. From fear and guilt to social pressure and “rejective” schools, Ron reveals how hidden feelings often drive family choices more than finances do. He shares practical insights for making smarter, values-based decisions, asking for more aid without “negotiating,” and teaching kids responsibility through money. What to expect: Why college is a values decision wrapped in a financial one The emotional traps families fall into when paying for school How to approach merit aid and appeal letters the right way The conversation every parent should have before senior year And more! It’s time to move beyond numbers and make decisions that reflect what truly matters to your family. Resources: The Price You Pay for College by Ron Lieber The Opposite of Spoiled by Ron Lieber Connect with Jude Boudreaux CFP® The Planning Center LinkedIn: Jude Boudreaux jude@theplanningcenter.com Phone: (504) 717-4862 Connect with Caleb Arringdale: LinkedIn: Caleb Arringdale caleb@theplanningcenter.com Phone: (309) 797-4030 Connect with Ron Lieber: <li style="font-weig

Thirty-six hours before his wife was scheduled for a major surgery, New York Times personal finance columnist Ron Lieber got a letter in the mail that sent him reeling. Insurance was denying prior authorization for the surgery. The only way forward would be to appeal the decision. But it was Saturday night, and the surgery was Monday morning. There wouldn’t be any time. Should they even go to the hospital? They decided to bet on being able to reverse the denial later on, but the last minute coverage questions left Ron’s wife, New York Times reporter Jodi Kantor, going into surgery that Monday with a brand new sense of stress and anxiety. And along with worrying how his wife's surgery would go (spoiler: it was successful), and whether they’d end up on the hook for a bajillion dollars, it left Ron to wonder why no one had given them a heads-up earlier. He set out to find answers — and whether there might be a way to prevent these last-minute denials from sneaking up on other people. Ron turned to his "Your Money" newsletter subscribers for ideas, and eventually published a draft letter in his New York Times column that doctors and other health care providers could give their patients to better prepare them for insurance curveballs. Check out the column here – and consider passing it along to any health care workers whose patients you think might benefit. Here’s a transcript of this episode . Send your stories and questions. Or call 724 ARM-N-LEG. Of course we’d love for you to support this show . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The cost of college is skyrocketing! To make sure you're not paying those sticker prices, we brought in New York Times 'Your Money' columnist, Ron Lieber. He is also author of 'The Price You Pay for College' and joins the show for a brutally honest walkthrough of what is actually going on behind the scenes. In this episode he breaks down: List price vs. cost of attendance Why most families don't pay rack rate How to read a school's 'Common Data Set' Merit vs. need-based aid How net price calculators and pre-reads can keep you from falling in love with a school you can't afford DEALS & DISCOUNTS FROM OUR TRUSTED PARTNERS: MONARCH MONEY The modern way to manage money! Monarch will change the way you organize your financial life. Track, budget, plan, and do more with your money – together. Get 50% off the first year using this link and entering code: CATCHINGUP50 ALLOY The Alloy Market offers a seamless and efficient way to sell your gold, silver, and platinum jewelry, regardless of its condition. They are committed to transparency and fairness, ensuring you get the best possible value for your items. Use this special Link and enter code CUTOFI15 to get a $15 bonus when you sell items over $199 (limited time offer). For a full list of current deals and discounts from our partners, sponsors and affiliates, click here: catchinguptofi.com/our-partners SUPPORT THE SHOW 📩 Sign up for our newsletter 🌐 Visit Catching Up to FI website 🔗 Connect with us ☕ Like what you hear on Catching Up to FI? Support the show at "Buy Me a Coffee" 🎙️We love hearing from you! Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question RESOURCES MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.) 📕 Books by Ron Lieber 🌐 Merit Aid Course (with link to free merit aid checklist) Ron's New York Times Profile Niche (for comparing colleges) Saving For College (Compare 529 Plans) ⏰ Related Episodes Stop Paying for College and Use These High-Return Scholarship Hacks Instead | Chris Corinthian | 189 <a href= "https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index

If you are in the midst of the college search and admission process, financing this college education is likely top of mind. Merit aid is an important part of many financial packages and there’s no one better to talk to about the topic than Ron Lieber, financial columnist for the New York Times. It’s so important that we decided to share this episode again. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear Ron talk about his Merit Aid course, a great way to get a head start on understanding how it all works. Vicki and Lynn spent this episode in conversation with Ron Lieber author of The Price You Pay for College: An Entirely New Road Map for the Biggest Financial Decision Your Family Will Ever Make. Ron helped us unpack how complicated the financial aid system is and how crucial it is to understand how it works. The Price You Pay for College examines how our feelings and our ideas about success affect the choices we make about what we are willing to pay for college. Ron also shared information about his new course for families that helps them understand and navigate college Merit Aid. Thank you for listening! Much more information for college parents can be found on our website, College Parent Central Find us on Twitter at @CollParCentral Find us on Bluesky at @CollParCentral.bsky.social Sign up for our newsletter for ongoing information

In this insightful episode of Application to Admission, we sit down with Ron Lieber, a veteran journalist from The New York Times and the author of the bestselling book The Price You Pay for College . As a leading voice on the intersection of personal finance and higher education, Ron has dedicated his career to demystifying the complex world of college costs, financial aid, and merit scholarships for families across the country. Ron brings a unique perspective, having navigated the college admissions process not only as a student himself but now as a parent, guiding his own family through these critical financial and educational decisions. Throughout this conversation, Ron shares invaluable advice on how families can better understand and maximize financial aid offers, uncover the hidden truths about merit scholarships, and make informed choices that align with both their financial situations and their children’s goals. This episode is packed with actionable tips and heart-to-heart advice that will resonate with both parents and students who are trying to make sense of the often-overwhelming world of college finances. Whether you’re just starting the process or deep into applications, Ron Lieber offers clarity, empathy, and expert guidance on how to avoid financial pitfalls and make college more affordable. Tune in for a conversation that could transform how you approach paying for college—and ultimately, how you make one of the most important decisions for your family’s future.

Season 3 of the podcast is here and I’m honestly more excited about this season than any other . Because every single episode is a topic/conversation that YOU requested. We’re kicking it off with a month-long series on COLLEGE , where we’re talking to experts and parents about what one college specialist has called “The most emotionally fraught decision many families will ever make.” How do you know college is even right for your kid? WHEN should you start saving? Is it even worth it or necessary, anymore? According to the US Census, 62% of US workers do NOT have a college degree and only 47% of Americans say it’s worth it, but only if you don’t have to take out any loans. Ron Lieber, the New York Times’ Money columnist, has been writing about this topic for decades. He’s also a dad, dropping off his eldest daughter at college this fall. Ron helps us to untangle this complex puzzle of college and he says it all begins with our WHY. Life Happens, friends! Let’s Talk About It! Listen in to learn more : (00:00) Is College Worth It? Pros and Cons (04:57) Navigating the College Decision Process (17:50) College Decision Framework and Gap Year (30:53) Considering Alternatives to College Costs (39:12) College Financial Planning (43:46) Navigating Community College and College Costs In this episode, we are diving into the four main reasons for choosing college, the truth about statistics surrounding college degrees in the workforce, key conversations to have as a family before making college decisions, and tools for estimating what it will actually cost to send your kid to college. RESOURCES/LINKS: Ron’s Merit Aid Course Ron’s Book -The Price You Pay For College The Net Price Calculator Common Data Set PAULA'S PERSONAL NEWSLETTER PAULA ON INSTAGRAM THE CARRY ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rick and Brennan this week welcome Ron Lieber, the bestselling author of “The Price You Pay for College: An Entirely New Roadmap for the Biggest Financial Decision Your Family Will Ever Make,” and New York Times “Your Money” columnist. The trio discuss how Ron got into the world of college financial aid, the secret of merit aid, and how he would approach defining success parameters for those making a college selection. Links: Ron Lieber's Website "How Do I Pay for College?" - NYT Merit Aid Course Website TRUTH ABOUT COLLEGE ADMISSION HOMEPAGE -- to learn more about our books, speaking engagements, podcast, and other resources Grown and Flown Admission - Free Trial Offer Hosts: Brennan Barnard, Rick Clark Guest: Ron Lieber Production: Jack Purdy

After 15 years of financial reporting, Ron Lieber reports that “No consumer decision inspires more confusion and emotion than the question of what to pay for college,” which is understandable since four years at many state schools now costs over $100k in tuition and four years of private school can run over $300k! The "Your Money" columnist for the New York Times, Ron is the author ofThe Price You Pay for College, in which he lays out critical, in-depth information about one of the most important financial decisions your family will ever make. He explains that not only is college ludicrously expensive, but the admissions process is purposefully opaque, so it’s hard to know if you/your kid will get in and whether or not you/your kid will be able to afford to go. By throwing himself head-first into this stormy, complicated sea, Ron helps the reader find the best college or university for them, understand financial aid, and not destroy their family's savings in the process. His new online course about merit aid will help parents like you find grants and scholarships for which your child is eligible. Ron Lieber is a proud alumnus of Amherst College. Among his previous books is the bestseller, The Opposite of Spoiled: Raising Kids Who Are Grounded, Generous, and Smart About Money, which he discussed with me on episode #4 of Crazy Money. It’s a great book about parenting and teaching your kids values through the lens of money. This episode originally aired in January 2021. ⭐ Rate and Review Crazy Money here. (Seriously, do it!)⭐ ✍️ Get Paul’s writing to your Inbox here. (Seriously, do this also!) ✍️ Get full access to Reasonably Happy at words.paulollinger.com/subscribe

On today’s show, we’ll hear from Ron Lieber, a personal finance columnist for The New York Times, whose latest book, “The Price You Pay for College,” should be required reading for anyone with a kid nearing college. Ron wrote a whole chapter on sports scholarships, and his advice on how to find money for college when your sports scholarship falls short will come in handy for lots of you (trust me, if you don’t know that already, you will soon!). Ron shares insights on: ➨ How to talk to coaches about money even when your kid has reservations about you asking them ➨ How to tease information out of coaches that can help you understand how much money your family is likely to get ➨ What you should expect to pay for college after all the discounts are applied ➨ The tough conversations you should be having as a family about the cost of college and how soon you should have those conversations ➨ And what questions you should ask college admissions and financial aid officers that can help turn up extra grants and scholarships for your family Don't forget to subscribe to the show so you don't miss any episodes. And if you like what you hear, please leave us a review and tell your friends about us! *** LINKS: Where to buy Ron's book: https://ronlieber.com/books/the-price-you-pay-for-college/ Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ronlieber Ron on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronlieber --- My best stories on athletic recruiting: The Myth of the Sports Scholarship https://www.chronicle.com/article/the-myth-of-the-sports-scholarship/ The Courting of Marvin Clark https://www.chronicle.com/article/the-courting-of-marvin-clark/ --- Know someone I should interview? Have an idea for a show topic? Hit me up on Twitter: https://twitter.com/bradwolverton Thanks for listening!

Ron Lieber will share important lessons for parents about using money as a tool to teach your children values and hacks to pay for college. Ron Lieber is the author of The Opposite of Spoiled: Raising Kids Who Are Grounded, Generous, and Smart About Money, which was an instant New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller. “The Price You Pay for College: An Entirely New Roadmap for the Biggest Financial Decision Your Family Will Ever Make,” was published by HarperCollins in January, 2021. Ron has been the “Your Money” columnist for The New York Times since 2008. Show Notes 0:00-0:58 Introduction 0:59-10:00 About Ron Lieber’s books: “The Opposite Of Spoiled” and “The Price You Pay For College” 10:01-17:33 Ron’s research process when writing both books 17:34-31:06 Lessons people can take away from his book “The Price You Pay For College” 31:07-39:24 Some of Ron’s favorite stories from his book “The Opposite Of Spoiled” and the lessons they create 39:28-47:54 Ron’s involvement with the film “She Said” 47:54-48:47 Conclusion Related Resources and Articles Learn more about and purchase The Opposite of Spoiled and The Price You Pay for College: https://www.modernhusbands.com/post/45-notable-books-about-managing-money-the-home-yourself-and-your-marriage#viewer-1hu8v Online Courses: https://moneymarriageu.thinkific.com/ She Said: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5pxUQecM3Y Subscribe or follow Modern Husbands on social media! Newsletter Facebook YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Twitter TikTok Substack