Ordovensky, P. Students are unaware of college aid. (1988, October 10). USA Today.

OVERVIEW

Students know that college offers the most opportunities to succeed in the world. It is also highly publicized that tuition fees are beyond the means of many. Although costs may skyrocket, it does not seem that students are passing up a college education. It is generally thought that students take longer getting through because of work schedules or that they graduate with tremendous student loans to pay back. One never thinks that young people turn away from a college education because they cannot afford it and do not know that financial aid is available.

Yet, this is the finding of a recent Gallup poll. Students say they do not go to college because they "Cannot afford it." What is staggering are students’ misconceptions about "affording it." According to Gallup

• Almost one fourth (23%) of students in junior or senior high think high grades are necessary to get financial aid.
• One third (33%) believe that aid is available only to minorities.
• Almost one half (49%) think they cannot get help to attend an expensive school if their parents can afford a cheaper school.
• 22% think that the only available help is from the federal government.

The breakdown seems to be partly the responsibility of guidance counselors. Most seriously affected are lower-income students. Twenty-eight percent of them cite money as the reason they cannot continue to college after high school. Upper- and middle-class kids think about college as early as junior high school and, therefore, do not need such information. Their families plan, research, and even save for college tuition. Those who do not follow this practice often feel that they have no alternative because of the high costs.

The most damaging misconception, particularly for lower-income students who see no hope of attending college because of finances, concerns the actual cost of attending the colleges themselves. According to this poll, students estimated the average annual cost for a state university at $6,841. In reality, it is $1,977. The same distortion appears in their thinking regarding a private institution; their guess is $10,843 and in reality it is $8,120.

These figures are interesting and the real costs cited will seem low to many. The implication exists that there is opportunity for those with financial need. Additionally, more than just finances or good grades are involved. Balance, a desire to be the best one can be, and a willingness to work have a lot to do with the motivation and perseverance needed as these students prepare themselves for the adult world.

IMPLICATIONS

1. Educators, particularly guidance counselors, need to have comprehensive resources available so that they can provide all kids an equal opportunity at a college education.
2. There ought to be less social pressure for attending prestigious schools and more focus on the right education under the right circumstances (without financial devastation) for the student.
3. High school students should not be pressured to know what they want to do with their lives. College helps them work through those questions and find interests that will ‘keep’ them through their adult years.
4. College education or any post-high school education is expensive, especially for low-income families. Up to college, education is provided free (through taxes) but a high school diploma is often not enough for survival in the world. We need to help all kids realize that college is a valuable goal, and, if it is the right step for them, that it is attainable.
5. Parent/teacher organizations need to challenge school committees and boards to flush out all the different types of available financial aid, publicize the information, and specifically provide it to all students nearing completion of their high school education.