You know that feeling when you roll into a town that looks like it came straight out of a Hallmark movie? That was us as we arrived for our first college visit in this small, charming town. My daughter was practically falling in love with the cute shops, tree-lined streets, and the sense that everyone knew each other’s business—in a good way, of course. I loved it too. I'm a bookworm, so these nostalgic types of places are definitely my cup of tea. It was the kind of place where you half expected the mayor to greet you at the town square. But as much as we loved the vibe, we quickly realized that there’s more to picking a college than just falling for its charm.
The campus was small but beautiful, with old brick buildings, manicured lawns, and students who looked genuinely happy to be there. We joined a campus tour led by an overly enthusiastic junior who made every corner of the school sound like the best thing since sliced bread. My daughter was hooked. She loved the idea of small class sizes, getting to know her professors, and being part of a tight-knit community.
But what really sealed the deal for her was the cafeteria. I’m not kidding—it was like we had discovered a hidden gem in the middle of nowhere. The food was good. And I’m not just talking about your standard cafeteria fare. They had home-cooked meals, fresh salads, and desserts that tasted like they came straight from a bakery. “Mom, I could eat here every day,” my daughter said, already picturing herself living the small-town college life.
But as we sat down with the admissions counselor to talk about the nitty-gritty details, things took a turn. The tuition was high—like, private school high. And when we started asking about financial aid, the friendly vibe suddenly felt a bit chilly. We were handed a thick packet of forms, and the words “highly competitive” were thrown around more times than I could count. Although my kid is an amazing student with high grades, she realized that this school might come with a price tag we couldn't swing - not without tons of scholarships.
And then there were the dorms. They were cute, in a quaint kind of way, but definitely on the small side. My daughter didn’t mind—she loved the idea of living in a close community where everyone knew each other. But the cost of the meal plan made both of us pause. “Do you really think I’d eat in the cafeteria every day?” she asked, suddenly questioning whether the price was worth it. It was a good point. I mean, how many home-cooked meals can one person eat before they start craving takeout?
As we drove away from the quaint little town, my daughter was deep in thought. She loved the idea of small-town life, but the reality of tuition and meal plan costs made her think twice. It was a reminder that while the charm of a place can be powerful, it’s important to dig deeper and consider all the factors—especially the ones that hit your wallet.