The cost of college is a big public policy issue in America. Parents are usually in shock when they see how expensive college can be, especially private colleges and universities where tuitions have been skyrocketing at rates far beyond inflation.
The truth is, college is still very affordable. If you have financial need, there are federal, state and institutional grants to help pay for a college education. But even students who do not qualify for need-based financial aid can receive merit-based aid if their high school grades and extracurricular activities are noteworthy. So don’t look at the so-caller sticker price. After scholarships, campus jobs, and loans are taken into consideration, most colleges are quite affordable.
What about private colleges vs. public universities?
We all know that tuition at public universities is lower than tuition at private colleges. That’s because taxpayers subsidize public tuitions. The fact that the total four-year tuition, room and board costs at many universities is $50,000 or less compared to $100,000 or more at private colleges and universities, discouraging many parents from considering these institutions.
But things are not always as they seem!
In many states, large public universities are overcrowded. As a result, students often cannot get their first choice of a major. And since classes are frequently full, it often takes five or six years to graduate! Lookin at the situation this way, the student attending a public university will not only pay a total of $65,000 in tuition, room and board for five years, but also forgo a year earning a salary (often another $40,00+) for a total of “real” cost of over $100,000. Now the $1000,000+ paid to attend a private college that graduates its students in four years or less doesn’t look so bad. This fact, together with the scholarship support private colleges can offer, considerably levels the playing field. So you really do have a choice.
Finally, one might ask, “Why take on all these loans? Wouldn’t I be better off just getting a job after high school?”
The fact is that college graduates, over a lifetime, earn $2 million more in income than high school graduates. Of course this should not be the major reason you go to college. College-educated people are usually happier in their jobs, healthier, and enjoy all the intangible benefits that a college education provides. Taking on $25,000 or more in college loans (scholarships are free gifts and don’ have to be repaid) is insignificant in the log run compared to the earning power of a college degree.
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A Checklist for…
Schools
Location
I am looking for a school that is:
[ ] In my hometown
[ ] within an easy drive of my hometown
[ ] within a one-day drive of my hometown
[ ] within a short flight of my hometown
[ ] anywhere
Specifically, I am interested in schools in the following states:
Hint: Are you looking for new experiences? Is climate a concern? Do you want to be close to your parents, siblings or other relative?
I am interested in a location that is:
[ ] a really big city
[ ] a regionally important city
[ ] a college town
[ ] a very small town or a rural campus
Hint: What do you consider a “big” city or a “small” town? People from Los Angeles or New York City may consider cities like St. Louis or Albuquerque very small. If you are from a town of under 10,000, these same cities may seem very large.
Academic
Hint: Most students change their majors at least once, so don’t feel too concerned if you don’t quite know what you want right now. Also, be aware that colleges offer majors that will help you achieve your goals under many different names. And be sure to look for opportunities to design your own curriculum.
Learning experiences that I think I might enjoy include:
[ ] A unified curriculum, all students take the same classes
[ ] A core curriculum, where all students take some of the same classes
[ ] Special freshmen seminars or other freshmen-only classes
[ ] Classes under 10 people before my junior and senior year
[ ] Classes under 25 people
[ ] Classes over100 people
[ ] Living-and-learning communities where my roommates and neighbors are studying the same major, taking some of the same classes, or have other academic options in common
[ ] Service-learning programs where my classroom experiences are connected to community service
[ ] Studying abroad at a foreign university(specify institution if you know)
[ ] Studying abroad at a program run by my college (specify country if you know)
[ ] Studying off-campus in the United States
Career and Life
I am looking for a college:
[ ] Where I can explore my career through an internship
[ ] Where I can explore more than one internship
[ ] Where there are special resources for undecided majors
[ ] With a multi-year professional/career development program (begins before senior year)
[ ] That has specific programs to support my career goals: (specify)
I am looking for a college that will:
[ ] Help me get involved in service opportunities (specify your interests)
[ ] Give me the chance to play a certain sport (specify)
[ ] Help me deepen my spirituality (specify your interests)
[ ] Let me pursue my hobbies and interests through co-curricular activities or groups (specify your interests)
Other career resources that interest me include:
Co-curricular programs that interest me are:
Other programs that might be interesting to explore include:
Help me pursue the following interests:
Northeast Region Schools
Connecticut
Eastern Connecticut State University
“This close-knit community of learners shares a rich campus culture while reaching out to serve the surrounding community.”
Willimantic, CT
http://www.easternct.edu/ - [email protected]
INTRODUCTION:
Preparing you for a lifetime of inquiry, discovery and responsible citizenship.
Eastern Connecticut State University is the state’s designated public liberal arts college. A predominantly undergraduate institution, Eastern attracts and welcomes a diverse community of learners, supported by a teaching faculty, staff, administrators, and a residential campus that promote intellectual curiosity, integrity, and social responsibility.
Independent of their majors