Financial Consults with Leigh Moore of Moore College Data

I sat down recently with Leigh Moore Moore of Moore College Data.? A former full-time college advisor, Leigh now provides data to school-based and independent college advisors.? ?We discussed her data-driven approach to college selection. Here are some of the most insightful parts of the discussion and takeaways parents and high schoolers can use when evaluating schools.

Why is data important in college selection? It is important to establish the empirical basis of what you are looking for because it can come down to “feel” real easy. Good data informs good questions and helps families set priorities..

Because the cost of attendance is approaching six figures at some institutions, money is a big deal and people need to see a return on their investment.

What are the most important factors to look at in a school?

Ultimately, families need to decide what’s most important. If I had to choose a few metrics to consider,?though, I’d list these:???? ??????????

#1 4-year graduation rate

#2: Retention rate (what percentage come back after the first year). ??????

#3: Know the student body.? Look at the school’s socioeconomic, geographic, gender, and racial/ethnic diversity. Elon is but one example of a non-Ivy school which has drawn students from far outside its region.???? ??????????

#5: Earnings data by major

Why is the 4 year graduation rate so important? If you go into that 5th year, most people don’t realize that the scholarships go away. If you project out college tuition at up to 8%, some of these schools are going to be six figures and then you slap another $100,000 on what might have been a manageable debt.

Tell me about the College Scorecard Grad Rate? The data tells us four year post grad what the earnings are coming out of each school.

What does the data tell us about the 4 year earnings figures after graduation? Engineering, business, architecture, and healthcare do well. Very specific niches in the career market do very well, majors where you know what you are doing after graduation.

Outcomes data is fraught with frailties, and I’ve spent a lot of time documenting its limitations for our subscribers. As of 2023, we only have earnings breakdowns through four years.? Think about all the chemistry majors who are in med school when this data is collected.? There are many considerations embedded in this data, but I still think it’s important.

Where would you spend your resources, undergrad or graduate school? ?Less expensive is not always of lesser quality, of course. The answer to this is almost entirely a function of what one wants or needs out of their undergraduate experience.? ?????

One word of caution against conventional wisdom.? I concede that, all things being equal, a more prestigious undergraduate institution probably gives students a boost when it comes to grad school admissions.? But when are things equal?? It’s generally easier to get the faculty’s attention, to find leadership positions, to make an impact, at a less selective institution.? Just don’t forsake academic rigor.

What do you think about the junior college to university route? It is a great option and in some cases, that four-year institution which eventually enrolls the student, such as the case in North Carolina, will meet 100% of their demonstrated financial need.????

How do you evaluate the area around a school good? Campus Safety Cutting Data Tool. - it gives you all the crime data, on campus, off campus, and in dorms https://ope.ed.gov/campussafety/#/

What are some unique questions for the tour?

●??????? How does advising work at this college?? When will the student get an advisor? ?????

●??????? Families should talk to the career office. It is underutilized and you can get an idea of the support you would get as a student.

●??????? Ask to speak with someone who can map out a four-year plan with you.???? ?

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