Public colleges and universities are often more affordable than private institutions, but according to a report by the Associated Press, even public four- and two-year colleges and universities flunk the grade on affordability. Only one state out of 50, California, actually can claim that they have affordable colleges. This is thanks to affordable community colleges.
How bad are college costs? Increases from 1999-2000 are as high as 16 percent in some cases. If your income falls in the lower median, expect to pay as much as 55 percent of your income just for college tuition, books and other fees not included.
The study on college affordability was conducted by the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, which used a rating from A to F to rank college affordability for a state. California received a grade of “C,” while all other states received “F.”
In my own home state of Pennsylvania the average cost to a family sending a child to college is 41 percent of their income.
These jumps have serious repercussions. Even with college savings in place, assuming that in this economy there is room to save, how will young people afford to get a higher education?
Of course there is financial aid available, but according to the AP article, those numbers include financial aid. Also mentioned in the article is the practice of financial aid being used increasingly to lure prestigious or high-achieving students who can already afford college. By offering scholarships to this group of students, the colleges get a boost in their numbers and reputation. This leaves students who can ill afford college without the opportunity to attend.
Hopefully, our state and federal leaders will help solve this crisis in higher education.
What do you think?
You can read the AP article by clicking here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28019368/
Related Articles:
Community Colleges Gaining in Popularity
New Plans to Graduate Kids in 10th Grade
America’s Best Colleges for 2009