Students and Parents Becoming Wiser Concerning College Costs

Here's a piece from MSNBC that says students and parents are starting to consider the cost of colleges and make adjustments:

College-bound students clearly are factoring cost more heavily into their school choices, sometimes after having tough conversations with their parents. They are shifting from private to public colleges, taking "gap years" after high school to save money or attending school part-time while working, based on enrollment figures and anecdotal evidence from admissions counselors and other experts.

I don't see this as a bad trend. In fact, I think it's a good thing. In all other areas of life we compare costs versus value, so why not in selecting a strategy for getting a college degree?

There's really nothing new for me to say about how I think people should approach the college planning decision. If you want to read my opinion, check out How to Make the Most of a College Degree.

Many of you may be wondering why I've been spending so much time lately posting on college-related issues. There are several reasons:

• I find the subject fascinating -- especially as people start to really evaluate it and compare costs versus benefits.
• I simply love the Debt-Free U book and have found it to be full of great things to post on.
• My kids are close to getting into high school -- the time our family needs to start thinking about setting them up for college success.
• Many parents are in the middle of making college choices for kids (or at least considering colleges) at this time of year.

I hope you are enjoying learning more about the college education process. I know I am!!!! ;-)

Comments

[Mary Kate]

My husband is an academic. He thinks more students this semester are taking their education seriously. We attribute this to the economy.

Thanks for all the posts on Debt Free U. As the parents of a fourteen year old, college is definitely on our radar screen. It is a very interesting subject and I think there is a lot of hype to wade through.

[td]

I suggest people in high school try to take as made AP courses as possible. AP tests are substantially cheaper than taking the classes in college. Also, if you have a local community college, see what requirements they have for taking classes before you have a diploma. I know I had to get special permission to take classes while in high school, but some areas have concurrent enrollment programs.

[sammysosarules]

Correction

"I suggest SMART people in high school try to take as made AP courses as possible. AP tests are substantially cheaper than taking the classes in college. Also, if you have a local community college, see what requirements they have for taking classes before you have a diploma. I know I had to get special permission to take classes while in high school, but some areas hve concurrent enrollment programs."

[Darin H]

There has been a lot of talk about a higher education bubble recently, so this fits right in with that.

[Laura]

I've been enjoying your posts on paying for college. I paid my way through school (state school, working, finishing early, etc) and finished with no debt. I went to graduate school on a fellowship, again no debt. Now I'm thinking about how to get my sons (still in grade school) through college without debt and without enormous expense.

[JeffrO]

Thanks FMF! I have a 12th, 10th, and 8th grader. The subject is very applicable for me, and I thank you for bringing Debt U to my attention. I bought it today (Borders coupon of course!) and look forward to reading it with pen in hand. Then have my 12th grader read it as well.

[Sunil from The Extra Money Blog]

let's also not overlook the improvements in the high school systems. i know someone who attends the same HS i attended. the opportunities to earn college credits, and even dual enrollment in their senior year in a college nearby are far vast today than previously. the best part is that all are state sponsored (i.e. free).

this someone will enter college already having 18 credits (that is a full semester and some more)...