5 Things Every Family Should Know About Paying For College

For many families, paying for college is one of the biggest financial decisions they'll make. College tuition is the highest it's ever been — and the financial aid process is anything but clear. American journalist Ron Lieber's new book, The Price You Pay for College aims to take the black box of college financials and, "turn it lighter and lighter shades of gray."

Of course, Lieber concedes, it is a messed up system. But he's not out to fix it – he's just here to help you and your family navigate it. "What I would really like to do is to blow it to smithereens. But this is not a blow-it-to-smithereens book," he says. "I am taking the system as it is and trying to help people learn to beat it."

The interview was edited for length and clarity.

What do parents get