Survey Says: College Necessary, Costs Evil
College: what do people really think of it these days? According to a survey conducted by Public Agenda and the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, it's a tricky situation. While most people seem to acknowledge that a higher education is vital to a good future, the current economy has made the actual act of getting that education a severe point of contention.
More than half of Americans believe that it's impossible to succeed without a college education, but an even larger number say that rising college costs are shutting out many students, a national survey has found.
As the nation's economic crisis deepened last year, frustration over tuition costs went up, with 67 percent of adults saying that many qualified students don't have the chance to attend college, according to the survey called "Squeeze Play 2009" that gauges public perceptions about higher education. By comparison, 62 percent of adults felt that way in 2007, and just 57 percent did in 2003...
"College is simultaneously being perceived as more essential than ever, but also less available than ever," said John Immerwahr, a researcher at Public Agenda, which conducted a telephone survey of 1,009 adults nationwide over five days in December.
The survey also noted that a large amount of people are disgruntled at the state of financial aid and student loans, and the amount people end up having to rely on them for an education.
Colleges are asking parents and students to think less about the price and more about the importance and quality of the education they will be receiving. According to enrollment services provost Joanne Graziano, "We tell parents ... don't focus so much on the sticker price, you can still qualify for types of aid that will reduce that sticker price to a net cost that is manageable." But the problem seems to be more deep-rooted, stemming not so much from the sticker price alone as what the price entails. The answer seems to be not in accepting the price as a necessity, but looking for solutions to reduce the costs without curbing the substance and quality of the education itself.
Search Schools
University of PhoenixAt University of Phoenix, we believe everyone deserves access to higher education.
Programs
Location: Phoenix: , Phoenix AP |
|
Virginia CollegeSet your career in motion at Virginia College Online.
Programs
Location: Birmingham: 300 River Hills Business Park, Birmingham AL 35242 |
|
DeVry UniversityCareer-focused education for real‐world results.
Programs
Location: Calgary: , Calgary AB Chicago: , Chicago IL |
|
Keiser UniversityFor over 30 years, Keiser University eCampus Online has provided student-centered, quality career education.
Programs
Location: Fort Lauderdale: , Fort Lauderdale FL 33309 |
|
South University OnlineSouth University offers excellence in education, online convenience, and more than 100 years of tradition.
Programs
Location: Savannah: 709 Mall Boulevard, Savannah GA 31406-4805 |
|
Ultimate Medical Academy OnlineBoost your career with an education from Ultimate Medical Academy Online.
Programs
Location: Online |
|
Everest University OnlineManage your career and your life while earning your degree online.
Programs
Location: Santa Ana: , Santa Ana CA |
|
Allied Health InstituteAllied Health Institute is a post-secondary vocational school offering a variety of Diploma and Associate Degree programs in the field of Allied Health. By utilizing online learning, students have the flexibility to continue their education from the convenience of their own home. Our virtual classrooms will enable students to attend classes and communicate with instructors and classmates. Students can complete some programs without leaving their current employment or sacrificing family time.
Programs
Location: Online |
|
Post UniversityEarn your degree online or on campus and accelerate your life.
Programs
Location: Waterbury: 800 Country Club Rd., Waterbury CT 06723 |
|
Animal Behavior CollegeInterested in a career as a professional dog trainer? Animal Behavior College is the place to start.
Programs
Location: Northridge: 9249 Reseda Blvd, Northridge CA 91324 |
|
