Rob Franek on College Admissions, Scholarships & The Princeton Review’s Best Value Colleges List

In this episode of College!, Matt Carpenter sits down with Rob Franek, Editor-in-Chief at The Princeton Review and longtime voice in college admissions. They dive deep into the “50 Best Value Colleges” list, how it’s calculated, and what “value” truly means in higher education today.

Rob also shares his personal college journey as a first-gen student, offers candid insights about financial aid, explains why high sticker prices can be misleading, and makes a compelling case for why standardized tests still matter. Learn why the right school might not be the most obvious one—and how to get those shoulders down and navigate this stressful process with confidence.

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Connect with Rob Franek & The Princeton Review

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-franek

Website: ⁠https://www.princetonreview.com/

Best Value Colleges List: https://www.princetonreview.com/college-rankings/best-value-colleges/

🎙️ Episode Highlights:

• Rob Franek’s College Journey
  Rob shares his experience as a first-generation college student, attending Drew University, and the challenges his family faced navigating the admissions and financial aid process.

• Defining “Best Value” in Colleges
  A deep dive into how The Princeton Review identifies Best Value Colleges, weighing academic quality, cost, financial aid, career outcomes, and student satisfaction.

• Sticker Price ≠ What You Pay
  Rob and Matt emphasize that many high-sticker-price colleges can be the most affordable due to generous need- and merit-based aid.

• Spotlight on Lesser-Known Value Schools
  The episode highlights schools like Reed College, St. Olaf, and Union College as excellent academic fits with surprising affordability.

• Navigating Financial Aid Conversations
  Rob shares personal stories and guidance for families to have open, early conversations about money — even when it's uncomfortable.

• Merit Aid & Standardized Testing
  The role SAT/ACT scores play in unlocking merit scholarships — especially for middle-income “bubble families” who may not qualify for need-based aid.

• Advice for Families Starting the Process
  Rob offers encouragement and practical tips to help students and parents reduce stress, cast a wide net, and define what “fit” means for them.