The sharp increase in the price of university education has made it difficult for students around the world to be able to pursue their passions.
(Steve Griffin | Salt Lake Tribune) The University of Utah is photographed in Salt Lake City on August 21, 2015.
As a high school student preparing to apply to college next year, I find myself concerned about the rising cost of college. It’s not just about tuition fees; Even college application fees are increasing, making it difficult for students to afford the education we need.
The sharp increase in the price of university education has made it difficult for students around the world to be able to pursue their passions. Earning degrees in fields such as the creative arts or liberal arts is often risky due to the fear of taking on an overwhelming amount of debt, with limited financial freedom and earnings after graduation. This leads to a crossroads – having to choose between following your passions and achieving financial security.
The vast majority of college students, including Bon Stover, a student I spoke with at Denison College, believe college prices should be lower. According to a study by the Princeton Review, 98% of families reported needing financial aid to cover the costs of a college education. Boone, like many others, faced a difficult decision when he chose a liberal arts college in pursuit of a well-rounded education because of the high costs involved.
Boone’s story represents the challenges that many students like him face. He understood the importance of a diverse education, but found it difficult to afford it due to expensive tuition. This situation is a common struggle for students today.
According to Morning Consult Pro, 77% of US adults believe a college degree would be difficult for someone like them to afford, and ThinkImpact reports that nearly 38% of college students drop out due to finances. This widespread demand for cheaper education highlights a major problem that needs attention. The cost of applying to colleges adds another layer of financial stress. It’s not just about tuition fees; Living costs, books, and even the application process are expensive. These additional costs limit the options available to students who cannot explore many different options.
We also need to think about the financial aspect of a university education. These high tuition fees not only affect students, but they also hurt our country’s economy. Student loan debt prevents graduates from investing, starting businesses, or even buying homes, with the number of young people starting businesses steadily declining.
Since I plan to go to college soon, I worry about how this will impact not only my generation, but the economic future of our country.
I think the current cost of college is not sustainable. To solve this problem, we should think of new ideas. One idea is for the government to give more money to colleges so students and families don’t have to pay as much. This can be achieved by establishing partnerships between the public and private sectors to invest in higher education. We can also teach students more about money so they can make smart choices about their education.
The high cost of college is a major issue that affects many students. It limits our options, harms our creativity and risks our financial future. We need to do something about this problem by finding practical and smart solutions that make college accessible to everyone. Our future and our country’s economy depend on it.
Rohan Khakural Student at Hillcrest High School. He previously worked with BWE Events and took courses at Johns Hopkins CTY. Rohan plays a lot of tennis and basketball and was a varsity singles player throughout high school. Rohan also contributes to school clubs and other activities inside and outside school. He loves watching movies, hanging out with friends and family, reading, and exercising.
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College education is often seen as a pathway to success and a bright future. However, for many individuals, accessing this higher education is a significant challenge. In today’s society, it is crucial to recognize the importance of making college accessible to everyone, regardless of their background, socioeconomic status, or personal circumstances. Providing equal opportunities for all individuals to pursue a college education not only promotes social equality but also contributes to a stronger and more educated society overall. Therefore, it is imperative to advocate for and work towards creating accessible pathways to college for everyone.