I am always espousing fit, fit, fit. But fit is defined however a family defines it. If financial considerations and parental restrictions are part of the fit (e.g. location of the school, cost), then that factors into “fit”. Your kid can find the best place in the world but if it does not 'fit" your budget, it ain’t happening. It is best to let your kid in on your finances early so it can order their entire college search process.