College prep tips in a shifting political climate: How families can lower education costs
FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — As millions of families across the U.S. prepare to send their children off to college, the Trump administration is moving to dismantle the Department of Education and tighten restrictions on student loan forgiveness programs. In the wake of these changes, college affordability is becoming a top concern for many American households.
To help students and parents navigate these financial challenges, Dr. Shaan Patel—founder and CEO of Prep Expert and a winner on Shark Tank—offers practical advice to minimize college debt and make smarter financial choices when selecting a school.
College Decisions Are Financial Decisions
“Many parents and students forget that your college decision is actually a financial decision,” says Dr. Patel. With student loan defaults on the rise—over 5 million borrowers are currently past due—he emphasizes the importance of understanding the long-term financial implications of higher education.
On Monday, the Department of Education announced that collections on defaulted student loans would resume. This move coincides with efforts by the Trump administration to reverse the Biden-era attempts at broad loan forgiveness, raising concerns for borrowers facing wage garnishments and credit damage.
Reducing the Cost of College
Dr. Patel stresses the need to focus on net cost—the actual amount a student pays after scholarships and grants. “You want to make sure that your net cost to attend college is low enough that you’ll still receive a great return on investment in your chosen career path or major,” he explains.
He recommends considering in-state schools and researching merit-based scholarships, which often go unclaimed. Each year, more than $7 billion in scholarships are awarded to students who simply take the time to apply.
“There’s a scholarship, if not multiple scholarships, out there for every student that can significantly reduce college costs and improve the ROI of an education,” Patel adds.
Test Scores Still Matter
Although many universities have adopted test-optional policies, standardized test scores still play a major role in determining financial aid. Dr. Patel, who scored a perfect SAT score and received a full scholarship to the University of Southern California, says students with strong scores can earn significant scholarships—even at test-optional institutions.
“Students with high test scores are still being offered quarter-tuition, half-tuition, and full-tuition scholarships,” he notes. With many universities reinstating entrance exams, he advises students to begin SAT or ACT preparation as early as 9th grade.
Prep Expert Offers Resources for Success
Prep Expert, founded by Dr. Patel, provides online SAT and ACT courses, free resources, and test prep strategies that help students improve their scores by an average of 200 points. The company’s mission is to empower students to gain admission to top universities and secure generous scholarships.
To explore test prep options or learn more, visit prepexpert.com.