Because of Kent State’s recent refusal to allow me access to my Federal Pell Grant I have decided to do a bit of research on the cost of education and legislation that has affected education.
The cost of higher education has steadily been increasing every year for the past twenty years as federal loan and grant programs have remained relatively static. Since 2005 the average cost of attendance for four year universities has gone up $1000 a semester or $2000 an academic year. Private institutions have raised tuition by (roughly) double that figure. The cost of tuition in the past four years has increased 15%-17%. The other statistic increasing in the US? Unemployment. Ohio’s unemployment is now at 11.2%.
Why is the cost of higher education increasing at such a startling rate? Supply and demand. In the United States students are encouraged to attend universities without any real knowledge about the realities of a college life style. With private student loans handed out like candy to anybody who applies, everybody can afford to go to college. Everybody can afford to go to college if he or she is paying 9% on their loan amount.
My estimated cost of attendance (according to KSU) is $21,000 per academic year. Yet, Kent State just yanked nearly $5,000 worth of aid from me. Keep in mind my program GPA is 3.23 and my overall GPA is 2.9. My GPA is acceptable. So, it being too late to get scholarships, I may have to not attend this year.
Why does the system insist on students graduating with debt? Isn’t it a step backwards?
…Not happy about it.
3 comments:
man, sorry to hear that. I was lucky to get a relatively inexpensive education in Canada.
SORRY you're having to deal w/all that BS, Will. Hopefully you can work your way around it. I never went on to college, & your sad story makes me somewhat glad. That said, when I could have went to college, it only cost 4 wooden pennies & a bottle cap! :-)
Hope you've been enjoying your summer. I've been trying to get in touch w/Stefany, & found her new blog, but you have to be invited to join & I can't get in touch w/her. If you communicate w/her, please tell her to em me, thanks dude. Be well.
One of the many issues I have with this little country of ours...grrr.
Debt is a looming bastard. Thanks, America!
You can try my approach which is that debt isn't real therefore it cannot shape my life in any way.
Post a Comment