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Thursday, December 4, 2008
Worries about paying for college
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A new national report shows the rising cost of tuition is making it difficult for many students to afford a college education.
The report from the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education found that tuition and fees increased 439 percent from 1982 to 2007 while median family income rose 147 percent.
The report also found that paying for a four-year public college took up about one-quarter of the median family income. A private university ate up about three-quarters of the median family income.
Georgia’s university system approved Wednesday new fees students must pay ranging from $50 to $100, depending on the type of college students attend. The new fees will help offset state budget cuts.
A little over a month ago I wrote about students applying early action and early decision. Both UGA and Georgia Tech reported getting more applications than previous years. Admissions officials say more families are looking to save money by staying in state and attending public institutions.
I’ve heard of other families saying they’re depending more on HOPE this year. (Maureen Downey touched on this issue in her column.) Others have said they’re nervous about co-signing college loans for their children.
How concerned are you about paying for college? Are you encouraging your child to apply to cheaper schools to save money?
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