The True Cost of University (It’s More Than Just The Dollars)

If you're anything like some of the students and parents we've worked with, you might be fixated on the sticker price when considering the cost of university.

But that’s just the start.

Try calculating the cost of the intangibles: a failed semester, a year spent in the wrong program, a career that feels like a life sentence.

University is so much more than just lectures, exams, and Monster fueled all-nighters. It’s about discovering your own path, creating incredible friendships, and finding a career that lights you up inside.

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Think of your diploma as an investment in your own future fulfillment, in the life you actually want to live.

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That type of investment warrants the right preparation now.

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So, before you dismiss education consulting as an unnecessary expense, let's unpack the multifaceted costs of university.

It's easy to hyperfocus on the up front costs. But as you’ll see, there’s more to it than meets the eye.

Crunching the Numbers

According to a Maclean's survey of thousands of students, the average undergrad is spending over $20,000 a year on their university costs, close to $100,000 by the time it’s all said and done.

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To put that into perspective, that’s the same as the deposit you’ll put down on your future home someday in the not-so-distant future – a process you certainly wouldn’t want to go at alone. 

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You’d want a pro realtor with your best interests at heart. Someone to help you scour real estate listings, make intelligent comparisons, and negotiate the best deal on your behalf. And you’d definitely want them advising you on potential red flags like structural issues or hidden costs that could quickly turn into financial nightmares.

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Your education deserves the same level of due diligence.

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The tuition bill is just the tip of the iceberg. Once you're in, you have textbooks, housing and meal plans to think about.

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Then there are student fees, bus passes, campus events, those new back-to-school kicks, and the occasional overpriced latte.

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You want to go about things the smart way. Finding the right scholarships could slash your education expenses by 50% or more.

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AdmissionPrep students earn $11,700 in funding on average and have 5x the odds of winning a major entrance award. Take for example our student Julia who won a Queen’s Chancellor's Scholarship worth $36,000, more than enough to cover all her tuition costs.

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That’s the power of thinking ahead. You have the potential to unlock the kind of money that can make the difference between 10 years of student debt repayment and a free ride to university.

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Curious about how much scholarship funding you might qualify for? Answer a few simple questions in our eligibility quiz and we’ll get in touch to see how our team can assist.

The Time Investment

Remember that old saying, "Time is money"? Ben Franklin’s classic words ring especially true when it comes to university.

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The real investment is the time you’re dedicating to your education.

Four years might seem like just a blip on the radar, but it's a significant chunk of time spent going to lectures, attending labs, writing research papers and cramming in 24-hour study rooms.

What if you’re still figuring out which path you want to take? 

It’s entirely normal to feel a bit lost or unsure at this stage. It’s a big commitment to decide what you want to do with the rest of your life before you even start university.

But switching majors or dropping courses not only eats up valuable time and adds extra semesters, it can also wreak havoc on your finances (not to mention sanity).

Luckily, there are programs that understand this perfectly, allowing you to explore different subjects before committing to a major.

That's also where a AdmissionPrep mentor can step in and be your guide. We’re here to walk you through all of your options step-by-step, making sure you don’t waste precious time figuring it all out.

Take our program assessment quiz to learn how we can work together to help you get the most out of your time at university.

The Career and Lifestyle Impact

Sure, the questionable fashion choices and ramen diet might be part of the uni experience, but let's be real – you're not just there for the stories. 

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You're investing in your future lifestyle: a fulfilling career, financial freedom, and even the dream trips to Bora Bora.

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The choices you make now make a significant impact on your timeline to getting there.

Graduate with a computer science degree and you can be pulling in a six-figure salary right out of the gate – more than most teachers and social workers make in the height of their career. Or maybe you’re drawn to finance, where those Bay Street hotshots get annual bonuses that could cover your yearly tuition costs in one go.

But not every degree is a ticket to a fat paycheck or a corner office with a view, nor should it be. Not everyone wants the same lifestyle. Envision the future you want for yourself, then put a plan in motion to get yourself there.

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The point is, your future lifestyle is tied to the path you choose today.

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Make the right decisions now and set you up for incredible opportunities in just a few short years.

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AdmissionPrep’s education consultants will help you dive deep into understanding what drives you and then show you how specific educational choices help you unlock the vision of your future lifestyle. We'll help you nail the applications, get into your top-choice program, and unlock funding along the way. Take our free eligibility quiz to get started.

The Emotional Toll

The whole university application process can feel like an M. Night Shyamalan movie with all those twists and turns you never see coming.

One minute you're screaming over your acceptance letter, daydreaming about dorm life, new friends and your first lecture. The next, you're staring at a mountain of paperwork, wondering how you'll ever find the funding to afford it all.

Then you get thinking about the all-nighters, the heart-pounding anxiety that comes with midterms and finals, and the inevitable moments of self-doubt when you question if you're even cut out for this whole "university" thing.

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But these plot twists are all part of the experience. It’s perfectly normal to go through all those ups and downs when preparing for life at university.

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Luckily you don’t have to go at it alone.

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AdmissionPrep’s mentors have been through it all before. They act as your sounding board, helping you navigate each turn in the process.

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With our support, you’ll be able to give your full attention to the things that truly need it: choosing the right university, preparing for success and ensuring it’s a journey you truly enjoy.

An Investment in Your Vision

So, next time you hear someone scoff at the idea of an education consultant, remind them that university is about so much more than the price tag. It's about the open doors. The passions discovered. The fulfilling future being created.

The real question isn't, "Can I afford an education consultant?" It's, "Can I afford not to?" 

Think about the cost of a wrong turn, a missed funding opportunity or the sheer exhaustion trying to figure it all out alone. Those are the true lingering costs of university – the ones that take their toll for years.

From helping you discover your interests to finding perfect-fit programs and conquering applications with poise, AdmissionPrep is here by your side every step of the way.

Because the cost of not investing in your future vision? That’s a regret you'll carry with you longer than any student loan.

If you want to create a future that’s in line with your vision and you’re ready for our help to get there, start by taking our program assessment quiz.

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