What Education Really Costs: From Pre-K to Graduate School
In this solo episode, Darrin takes listeners on a financial journey through the entire education system, from Montessori and Pre-K tuition to college and graduate school debt.
Drawing on real-life examples from families, students, and his own experience, he highlights how education—at every level—has become a major financial investment. Darrin gives parents and students a clear-eyed look at the long-term costs of schooling, breaks down how those expenses affect working families, and offers practical advice for anyone trying to plan ahead.
Along the way, he talks about saving strategies (like 529 accounts), alternative paths (like trade schools), and how to avoid the emotional and financial pressure of "doing it the traditional way."
This is the episode that parents wish they’d heard before enrolling—and students need to hear before signing that next loan.
Covered in this Episode:
- Why early childhood education (Montessori, Pre-K) is already a major expense
- The financial leap from public school to private school
- The real price of college in today’s economy
- Why grad school often leads to a second wave of debt
- Darrin’s own story of paying for college—and what he’d do differently
- Real-world examples from families navigating tuition and student loans
- Financial tips for parents starting early
- Why trade school or alternative paths might make more sense
- A breakdown of savings tools like the 529 plan
🧠 Stats & Real Talk (from 2022):
- Average cost of a private Pre-K program: $10,000–$25,000/year
- College tuition at private institutions: $35,000+/year
- National student loan debt: $1.7+ trillion (as of 2022)
- Average grad school borrower: $70,000+ in additional debt
📌 Note: These figures were current as of September 2022 but still reflect ongoing trends.
💡 Key Takeaways
- The cost of education doesn’t start at college—it starts in daycare.
Many families begin paying thousands per year before their child can even write their name. - Every level of education now requires financial planning.
Whether it’s 529 accounts, budgeting for college, or choosing a major, the earlier you plan, the better off you’ll be. - Trade school and non-traditional options are underrated.
For some, they provide better ROI with far less debt. - Student loans aren’t just a college issue—they follow people into adulthood.
Darrin shares real stories of how these loans impact credit, homeownership, and peace of mind.
Start the conversation early.
Whether you're a parent or a student, understanding what you're truly signing up for is key to avoiding unnecessary financial stress.
