As seniors are at the point in the year where they are trying to decide where they will go to college, they have to think about how much it will cost per year. One may get into their dream school, but have to turn it down due the price. Even though costs seem to have skyrocketed in the past few years, still, in state tuition is predicted to jump from an average of $9,850 annually to $23,500 in the next 18 years.
Many institutions blame these rising costs on inflation, and although that is part of the problem it is not entirely to blame. According to Ray Franke, professor of education at the University of Massachusetts, says “If you look at the long-term trend, college tuition has been rising almost six percent above the rate of inflation.” These increased prices require students to apply for a loan in order to get a higher education. These costs influence many students choice on where they want to go to school. Some universities are just not realistic. Senior Katelyn Crame college choice isn’t entirely influenced by the cost because her mom and dad are helping her but she says, “There are some colleges that I’m staying away from because I know they cost way too much.” Her parents want her to have the best college experience she can have, but they still have to keep mind of the fees.
Many state legislators have been spending less and less money on students over the past 30 years. Universities need someone to make up for these costs and they put the debt on the students. The average student in the class of 2016 has $37,172 in debt, according to Forbes. Debt will follow students for years to come. The universities don’t need to contribute to this problem anymore than they already have.
Of course having a higher education is a luxury, but it should be possible to people who want to obtain that. If students don’t have an amazing SAT score, not an outstanding athlete, or come from a middle class home, seniors shouldn’t depend on getting much financial aid or scholarships. These prices are unrealistic for most middle class families and is a major influencer on where they will attend. Making this decision is difficult. GHS alumni Ethan Rycenga says “My college decision was influenced a lot by cost. I first wanted to find a college that had good programs that supported my major. Once I found that, cost was the nest factor to asess.” He believes that these costs “definitely need to change.”
Colleges need to be working to lower the costs of their schools so that those who want a higher education can do so. Institutions are causing their graduates to be in debt for years to come after they receive their degree. These rapidly growing costs need to be brought to a higher attention of politicians and educators to work to lower these costs.
Sources:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackfriedman/2018/06/13/student-loan-debt-statistics-2018/#46163c9c7310
https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2018/09/why-is-college-so-expensive-in-america/569884/
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