166. Enhancing Parent Engagement in Higher Education with Dave Becker

The podcast explores the increasing role of parents in their children's college experiences, challenging traditional views of independence. Dave Becker, CEO of CampusESP, discusses how technology, rising education costs, and mental health concerns drive parental involvement. He notes that while over-involvement is a concern, appropriate engagement can positively impact student retention and graduation rates, especially regarding financial aid matters. The discussion highlights the shift from parents steering the educational path to students taking the lead, with parents acting as "nudgers." The conversation also touches on how colleges are marketing themselves to attract students and the importance of parents and students doing their own research to determine if it's the right fit.