January 20, 2026

Is College Really Worth the Cost?–FREE workshop

College costs are rising faster than ever. Parents are left asking: Is college still worth it? Are we making the right choices? How do we avoid student loan debt? This interactive discussion is designed to give parents clarity, confidence, and practical strategies.

When: Saturday, February 7th @ 2:30pm

Where: Oconee Public Library

Join us for a discussion based on the following books: The Truth About College: The Essential Guide to Help Your Teenagers Succeed,  Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You, and LAUNCH: How to Get Your Kids Through College Debt-Free and Into Jobs They Love Afterward.

We’ll address questions parents are asking, among others:

• Is college the right path for my student—and when should they go?
• How do we choose a college that’s a good fit academically, financially, and emotionally?
• What majors actually lead to strong career outcomes?
• How can families pay for college without crushing debt?
• Are AP, CLEP, dual enrollment, and Early College worth it?
• Is a “prestigious” school really worth the extra cost?
• How important are internships, AI skills, study abroad, and micro-credentials?
• Are 529 plans, HOPE, and Zell Miller scholarships enough to keep costs manageable?
• Why do Georgia students still graduate with over $40,000 in average student loan debt?
• What degree options exist for adults who started college but never graduated?

Discussion Leaders: Peter Balsamo, Ph.D. with 35+ years in higher education at a public research university, two regional universities, and a community college. Dr. Balsamo will share real-world lessons from his sophomore daughter’s experience: entering a flagship university with 70 credits earned through AP and CLEP scores along with dual enrollment—and graduating in May 2028 with both B.S. and M.S. degrees in a business discipline paying no tuition and no student loan debt.

Robert Toutkoushian, Ph.D., Professor, Institute of Higher Education, University of Georgia. Co-author of recently published paper entitled: “Perceived returns and regrets among college graduates”