College Is Not Risk-Free: The Hidden Costs Families Never Expect

College is not a risk-free investment - and one $15-a-month decision can save families from a five-figure mistake. GradGuard CEO John Fees breaks down the hidden risks most parents never budget for, from tuition loss and academic fees to dorm fires, theft, and accidental damage that can turn move-in season into a financial disaster.

Host Robert Farrington and John Fees get specific about what actually happens when a student leaves school for medical or mental health reasons, why one in three freshmen don’t return, and why the most important college costs are often the ones schools don’t refund. You’ll discover how tuition insurance really works, why the “renter’s insurance” label can hide major exclusions, and what makes a policy a true no-gotcha safety net for college families.

John shares the real-life claims that have shaped GradGuard, including dorm sprinkler disasters that can trigger more than $60,000 in damage, the electronic limitations buried in many standard policies, and why pre-existing conditions, concussions, mono, and other legitimate disruptions matter more than most families realize. He also explains why schools are cash dependent, why housing and academic fees are rarely covered, and how the right policy can give students a do-over instead of a permanent financial setback.

If you’re sending a freshman to campus, paying tuition out of pocket, using a 529, or carrying student loans, this episode is essential listening before classes start. It’s a practical guide to protecting one of the biggest investments your family will ever make - and avoiding the kind of regret that comes from learning too late what your policy actually covers.

John Fees

is the CEO of GradGuard, the college protection platform known for tuition insurance and dorm renters insurance for hundreds of schools nationwide.

Robert Farrington

is the founder of The College Investor and hosts the conversation, helping families make smarter decisions about paying for college.