College; It’s Less Expensive Than You Believe

Yes, college is expensive. But, it almost certainly costs thousands a year less than you think.

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.

The survey group did realize that public colleges and universities are far less expensive than their private counterparts, but very few members of the group had any idea how relatively inexpensive online degree programs are. In case you do not know either, it costs much less to attend an online college than it does to attend a comparably based traditional institution of higher education.

How is it that people know so little about college costs? To begin with, colleges do a very poor job of making their costs clear. Although colleges produce beautiful publications for prospective students and their parents, few are specific about costs. Similarly, college costs are often hard to find on most college and university websites. In addition, the media seems to focus on our nation’s most selective and highest price colleges while paying far less attention to cheaper alternatives.

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”.

If you or someone in your family is exploring higher education, it is important that you investigate and determine actual educational costs. Do not believe second hand information about college cost or the availability of financial aid…much of it is erroneous.

Most important of all, do not rule out college because you believe you can not afford it. If you do your research, fill out financial aid forms, and work with the admissions and financial aid officers at the colleges you consider, you will almost certainly be able to obtain a college degree.

Jim Evans is an educational counselor who guides students wishing to earn an online degree or a traditional college degree.