Actually, college is less expensive than most people believe. In fact, it is far less expensive. Here is proof, drawn from a scientific poll conducted by the sociology department of a large Midwestern university.
A major public university in the midwest surveyed several hundred people about college and university costs and found that, on average, people think college is far more expensive than it actually is. The difference between perception and reality was very dramatic.
Although the group surveyed was well aware that costs at public colleges and universities are substantially less than those at privates, they badly overestimated fees at both. Similarly, their estimates of the cost of online degree programs were well above the actual costs.
Clearly, the media and colleges themselves need to to a better job of informing the public about the actual costs of college. Of course, students and families are also at fault for not paying greater attention to educational costs.
Even when people are aware of the actual costs of tuition and other expenses, they are often unaware of the monies available to help them reduce those costs. Remember that few students pay "list price".
There are few subjects about which people make more uninformed statements than education. Investigate costs and financial aid very carefully, and confirm everything that you read or hear before accepting it as fact, much as reporters at major newspapers and magazines do.
Whatever you do, do not assume that college is out of reach for you. There is a lot of financial aid available to students who need it and many college admissions and financial aid counselors willing to guide them through the financial aid process.
A major public university in the midwest surveyed several hundred people about college and university costs and found that, on average, people think college is far more expensive than it actually is. The difference between perception and reality was very dramatic.
Although the group surveyed was well aware that costs at public colleges and universities are substantially less than those at privates, they badly overestimated fees at both. Similarly, their estimates of the cost of online degree programs were well above the actual costs.
Clearly, the media and colleges themselves need to to a better job of informing the public about the actual costs of college. Of course, students and families are also at fault for not paying greater attention to educational costs.
Even when people are aware of the actual costs of tuition and other expenses, they are often unaware of the monies available to help them reduce those costs. Remember that few students pay "list price".
There are few subjects about which people make more uninformed statements than education. Investigate costs and financial aid very carefully, and confirm everything that you read or hear before accepting it as fact, much as reporters at major newspapers and magazines do.
Whatever you do, do not assume that college is out of reach for you. There is a lot of financial aid available to students who need it and many college admissions and financial aid counselors willing to guide them through the financial aid process.
About the Author:
Jim Evans is an educational counselor who guides students wishing to earn an online degree or a traditional college degree.
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