With college tuition at an extreme high, students are feeling even more stressed about getting an education. About two-thirds of college students in America borrow money to pay for college; a huge increase from 12 years ago when 58% borrowed, their average debt load nearly half the amount. Students are doing whatever they can to get into their college of choice. Extra curricular activities, community service and sports are just a few things students are piling on to their applications.
Senior Sarah Harvey says she’s been filling out tons of scholarship applications online to better her chances of being able to pay for Appalachian State, her top choice. “I think it’s so unfortunate that it costs so much to have the opportunity to get a college education.” She believes with her GPA and extracurricular activities, getting into Appalachian State shouldn’t be too difficult.
Other students don’t have the same situation. Junior John Sierra says “I have a lower GPA, but I plan on studying business at an in-state college such as Maryland or Towson. My parents already have college paid for, whatever my choice is”. An anonymous source reports that his parents aren’t exactly the wealthiest, with one in the military and one with a part time job. He’s been trying to get his GPA up to get into a good college. He says, “I’m nervous about college, I’d really like to go to University of Virginia, but I know my parents can’t afford that. It can be stressful thinking about college when you don’t have the money some people do. But while it is a bit of a disadvantage, “it’s motivation to work harder for a higher GPA.”
On average, about 47% of all full- time undergraduates are attending a four year public college that charges $9,000 or less in tuition and fees, $2,713 for public two-years. But that’s only in state tuition. The average out of state tuition for public four years is $11,990, $27,293 for private four-years. You also have to factor in costs for the essentials: food, living space, laundry, transportation, and whatever school supplies you need.
Financial aid is always an option. You can use loans to pay for your college, but you can end up in debt. You can learn more about what kind of financial aid you need at places like findaid.org. Another way to save money on college is to attend a community college for one or two years for prerequisites, and attend a four year college for your major. The community college will charge less for prerequisites then a four year.
Whatever you do, college is always an option. Your education is important, no matter how you decide to pay for it.