Easing College Cost Confusion

The two toughest hurdles to getting into college are earning the grades and test scores to qualify and finding the money for tuition and expenses. Many students and their families, especially in low-income and minority households, also suffer a “knowledge gap” in figuring out how to finance that college education. It’s not easy to be savvy about how to pay for college.

Too many students give up on college because they believe it is unaffordable. There is a startling volume of misinformation about actual college costs, which is compounded by the lack of easily accessible information about the $60 billion a year available in financial aid. For example, a survey by the American Council on Education indicated that Americans estimated in-state tuition at four-year public colleges at an average $9,694 a year. The actual average tuition at such schools is $2,848.

To debunk such myths, a consortium of 1,200 colleges and universities, including UCLA, USC and 70 public and private schools in California, and the U.S. Department of Education have launched a “College Is Possible” campaign to provide information on costs, financial aid and sources of assistance and to guide students on how to prepare for college. This helps fill a void caused by the decline in knowledgeable student counselors in high schools.

The algebra and calculus of high school may be a breeze compared to the computation and research required to fashion a financing package for college. It may take scholarships, grants and loans. The trick is to find the right information.

To Take Action: Go to the Web site https:// www.CollegeIsPossible.org or call the Department of Education at (800) 433-3243.