Counselor’s Corner
by CHARLOTTE WINKELMANN
We hear so much today about the rising costs of college and it can be scary. How much does it really cost to go to college? The answer is that colleges come in a wide variety and, depending on the choices you make, the price of a college education can be quite reasonable – especially if you think of college as an investment in yourself and your future. Let’s look at the facts:
Sticker Price vs. Affordability
Keep in mind that the actual price the average undergraduate pays for a college education is considerably lower than the published tuition and fees. This is usually due to grants and other forms of financial aid. Look at what it really costs to attend college:
• Public four-year colleges charge, on average, $7,020 per year in tuition and fees for students who live in-state. The average surcharge for full-time out-of-state students at these institutions is $11,528.
• Private four-year colleges charge, on average, $26,273 per year in tuition and fees.
• Public two-year colleges charge, on average, $2,544 per year in tuition and fees.
Of course, that’s not the total price. You still have to live somewhere, eat, buy books and supplies, and do your laundry. There are other expenses. The best thing to do is contact the college financial aid or admissions office at the colleges in which you are interested. They can estimate their campus’ tuition.
Factor In Your Financial Aid Award
Most students receive financial aid. In 2008-09, more than $126 billion in financial aid was awarded to undergraduate students. The average amount of aid for a full-time undergraduate student was about $10,000, including more than $5,000 in grants that don’t have to be repaid.
So, despite all the talk about high prices and price increases, a college education remains an affordable choice for most families. Talk to your high school counselors. They attend workshops and are trained to have those discussions with you. Hays and Lehman have a College and Career Counselor that can also walk you through the process and answer questions you may have.
Remember, whether you pick a 2-year, trade or 4-year university, a post-secondary education is the best investment you will ever make.
Note: Costs and financial aid figures are from the College Board’s Trends in College Pricing 2009, Trends in Student Aid 2009 and Education Pays 2007. Learn more online at our Trends in Higher Education website.
