One of the most damaging aspects of our current economic recession is that families are being led to believe that they can not afford the cost of college.
Actually, nothing could be further from the truth.
Both traditional colleges and colleges offering online degrees are doing their best to minimize costs to students. Some have locked in current tuition and fee levels. Others are limiting increases to cover inflation. Some states have even passed laws to limit costs at their colleges and universities.
In addition, most colleges and universities have stepped up their efforts to raise money for scholarships because they know that families may need more help than in recent years.
The federal government is also stepping up to help students, with increases in several grant and student loan programs. Online college students also now qualify for financial aid not available to them in the past. That change makes it easier than ever for working adults to continue their educations.
Many states have also created scholarship and financial aid programs to to help students with college costs. Among them are Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana. And, more and more state universities offer in-state tuition to students from other states.
Students and their families should also be aware that it is not uncommon for colleges and universities to offer no-interest tuition installment plans. Not only do these plans allow families to spread their costs into 7-8 payments, but they provide insurance which will cover a student's tuition for up to four years if his or her parent passes away. And, the installment plan itself costs nothing.
The bottom line is that in any economy, no matter how difficult, college is affordable. College admissions and financial aid offices will help you identify programs for which you may qualify, and there are many websites which can help you find scholarships and financial aid. Good luck.
Actually, nothing could be further from the truth.
Both traditional colleges and colleges offering online degrees are doing their best to minimize costs to students. Some have locked in current tuition and fee levels. Others are limiting increases to cover inflation. Some states have even passed laws to limit costs at their colleges and universities.
In addition, most colleges and universities have stepped up their efforts to raise money for scholarships because they know that families may need more help than in recent years.
The federal government is also stepping up to help students, with increases in several grant and student loan programs. Online college students also now qualify for financial aid not available to them in the past. That change makes it easier than ever for working adults to continue their educations.
Many states have also created scholarship and financial aid programs to to help students with college costs. Among them are Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana. And, more and more state universities offer in-state tuition to students from other states.
Students and their families should also be aware that it is not uncommon for colleges and universities to offer no-interest tuition installment plans. Not only do these plans allow families to spread their costs into 7-8 payments, but they provide insurance which will cover a student's tuition for up to four years if his or her parent passes away. And, the installment plan itself costs nothing.
The bottom line is that in any economy, no matter how difficult, college is affordable. College admissions and financial aid offices will help you identify programs for which you may qualify, and there are many websites which can help you find scholarships and financial aid. Good luck.
About the Author:
Daniel Z. Kane is a retired university dean who has created online education websites on subjects including online colleges, scholarships, and online degrees.
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