Sticker shock for class of ‘26. Also: Tech gadgets get pricier (thanks, AI).

Welcome to MoneyNerd! First up, senior writer Erin El Issa takes a look at college costs for incoming freshmen. Spoiler alert: It’s not pretty — but there are ways to keep costs down.

Also this week:

Graduation season is almost here, and once the caps are tossed, it’s time to start thinking about how to pay for what comes next.

According to NerdWallet’s annual high school grad analysis, a 2026 high school graduate entering a four-year, public college in the fall could take out an estimated $43,500 in student loans. This assumes a five-year graduation timeline.

The good news is that incoming college freshmen can reduce that number with an intentional approach. Here’s what a Nerd would do to keep costs down:

In addition to being a Data Studies Nerd, I’m a mom of two young kids. Navigating postsecondary decisions with my children may be in my future, but I don’t envy parents with teens trying to make these decisions now. Not only is college expensive, but the rise of AI makes choosing a major for an uncertain future job market feel like an impossible choice to get right.

But while these decisions might look different for 2026 high school graduates than they did when I headed to college [redacted] years ago, young people can still build successful careers. Instead of ignoring AI, keep it in mind when deciding on your degree, or helping your children determine which degrees to pursue for career success.

That might mean choosing a field that can’t be easily automated — like something hands-on or requiring strong interpersonal skills — or building a broad skillset that lends itself to different career paths. It also means getting good at using AI to stay competitive.

- Erin El Issa

Last week, the International Monetary Fund said that the U.S.-Israel war with Iran has halted global economic growth momentum gained in the past year. It warned that the longer the war goes on — and related energy shocks persist — the greater the risk that a slowdown tips us into a full-blown global recession.

Ah yes, another day, another feeling of impending economic doom here on Earth. 

Many Americans seem to feel the same — whether it’s shaped by their own household finances or the steady drumbeat of reports pointing to flashing red warning signs that the economy is edging closer to a downturn.

The latest major consumer sentiment surveys show confidence is dropping — the University of Michigan Index of Consumer Sentiment recently reported its lowest level ever — signaling deep pessimism about the state of the economy.

Roughly 65% of Americans think the U.S. is headed for a recession, according to NerdWallet’s latest recession survey, conducted this month by The Harris Poll. Since NerdWallet began tracking the question in August, that share has stayed around two-thirds of the population — a signal that recession worries have remained persistently high among households.

Some economists say the slowdown is underway or we’re very close to it, as Moody’s Analytics’ Mark Zandi wrote in a post earlier this month. 

To be clear, when it comes to economic downturns, there is always one ahead. The question isn’t if — it’s when and how bad will it be? And the problem is that economic forecasting is about as reliable as predicting the weather: Sometimes you don’t realize the storm is coming until you’re already wet. 

- Anna Helhoski

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Can we agree that AI can be both awesome and annoying at the same time? It’s like every benefit comes with a “but.” 

As a “tech head,” that last one gets me going, especially because the issue — a shortage of computer chips — is expected to drag on for some time, according to technology research firm International Data Corporation (IDC).

What’s happening: AI’s insatiable demand for high-end memory chips and computer storage has shifted production away from components for consumer gadgets. 

The impact: Gadget prices are going up. We’re already seeing this on microSD cards, external storage drives, PCs and smartphones. Even gaming consoles are getting price bumps. 

There are exceptions, like Apple’s latest budget MacBook and iPhone models. But who knows how long it’ll be before prices on those creep up. 

For now, it’s on us consumers to spot “techflation” and say no thanks.

Check out our reporting on the AI-driven chip shortage for the complete picture, plus some ways to spend less on tech. 

- Tommy Tindall

The Paramount-Warner Bros. merger isn't a done deal yet, but it just got one step closer. 

On Thursday, Warner Bros. shareholders approved Paramount Skydance’s $111 billion purchase. Assuming the merger clears all regulatory hurdles, it means the two will become one mega studio.  

Here’s what that actually means: HBO Max, CNN, CBS, Paramount+, Nickelodeon, Harry Potter, the DC Universe, the NFL, the Olympics and more will now be housed under one roof.  

While the boards of both companies approved the merger, there’s been strong pushback elsewhere. In an open letter released on April 13, more than 1,000 Hollywood actors, directors and writers called out the deal as a power grab that may leave artists with fewer places to take their work. 

Federal regulators let the initial antitrust review window expire without blocking the deal, but the Justice Department can still stand in the way if it chooses to. The merger is facing political scrutiny over President Donald Trump’s ties to Paramount’s owners — the Ellisons — and Middle Eastern investment backing. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has called for a deeper state-level review.

The pitch to you streaming subscribers is "now you get everything in one place," but convenience usually comes at a premium. 

Fewer competitors in the streaming space means the new Paramount can set prices however it likes. Right now it's unclear exactly how the company will structure prices for its new single unified streaming platform of HBO Max and Paramount+ content, as well as potential paywalls for sporting events.

For a deep dive on how the deal went down and what it could mean for movies, TV and you, read the full article here.

- A.H.

What does the USPS financial crisis mean for your everyday life? In the latest Smart Money podcast, senior news writer Anna Helhoski talks to Elena Patel, co-Director of the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center, to unpack how the post office ended up at a critical financial juncture — and what service cuts, price hikes, and ripple effects across the broader economy could mean for your wallet.

Then, Sean Pyles, CFP®, and Elizabeth Ayoola, joining each other live in studio, tackle listener Edith’s question about National Debt Relief: Is a debt settlement program actually worth the risk?

Watch below or get the audio version.

Your MoneyNerd team: Courtney Neidel, Anna Helhoski, Rick VanderKnyff.

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