HIGH LIFE: A WEEKLY FORUM FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS : Beliefs About College Costs Dissuade Youths

Mistaken beliefs about the high cost of college education--and financial aid to help fund it--may be a major factor preventing many students from pursuing higher education.

A survey of 1,001 junior high and high school students for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) found that most think college is much more expensive than it actually is.

Those surveyed estimated the average annual tuition and fees at a 4-year state college at $6,841. The actual average is $1,566, according to the College Board. The average annual cost of attending a 4-year private school was estimated at $10,843. The actual average is $7,693.

Also, many teen-agers apparently don’t realize how much financial aid is available. A substantial number of those polled agreed with or were uncertain about the following statements. According to CASE, each is incorrect. The percentage cited represents students who said they believed the statement to be correct.

College financial aid is available only from the federal government. (22%)

Financial aid is given only to students whose parents cannot afford to pay for schooling. (37%)

Students cannot receive aid for an expensive private school if their parents can afford a state school. (49%)

Almost all financial aid is set aside for minority students. (33%)

Students with average grades do not qualify for aid even if they are accepted for admission. (23%)