The Rising Cost of An Education
I think it’s safe to say that higher education may not be for everyone. This doesn’t imply that everyone shouldn’t have access to a higher education. There may be other motivations to satisfy one’s life passions. Everyone may not have the desire nor motivation to attend a traditional two- or four-year institution. However, in the current economic climate, on the average, a degree holds much more earning power than a diploma. This fact causes high school (and middle school) students to think about what type of college they will attend long before they are eligible.
Other alternatives include training programs, technical schools or the military within this number, saving time, effort, and resources. (another way to achieve an education with benefits).
I find it very refreshing to hear youngsters talk about post-high school education. When it comes to the schools of choice, they can almost always explain why they want to attend a particular school (proximity to parents’ home, degrees offered, family alumni tradition, the chance to play sports, etc). It’s also very interesting that many don’t know or appear to be overly concerned with HOW MUCH it costs to attend. This is where many hearts get broken and dreams get derailed. Many families don’t plan for that moment of decision or don’t quite know where to seek help and depend on the traditional government funding.
When you go car shopping, do you look at a vehicle, test drive it, get comfortable and then ask how much it costs – and become disappointed that it’s not in your price range? A smart shopper will get pre-approved for an amount and
then shop. Searching for colleges and universities should be no different.
Each year, the cost has increased significantly at most institutions of higher learning. This is just a snapshot of the costs to attend in 2018 (from Google):
Average Cost of College 2017-18
College Type Avg. Cost: Tuition+Room+Board
Public 4-yr. $11,970
Public 4-yr. (In State) $20,770
Public 4-yr. (Out-of-State) $36,420
Private 4-yr. (Not-for-Profit) $46,950
If a prospective student or their family knew what college expenses would be prior to applying, he would have a better idea of what is available to him and could focus on their options. How would one start the process of even finding out what FREE money (grants, scholarships) and loans is available? There are several ways to do so on your own, but why take the more difficult route when help is readily available?
Black College Sports & Education Foundation can make the process of continuing your education easier by using the free College Preparation Assistance Program and its vast resources.
Jauron Hayes is a board member and contributor of this article. He lives with his wife Toi and daughter Bria in Phoenix, AZ. He earned a B.A. from UNC-Chapel Hill.