On the recordMay 1, 2024
Madam President, today is May 1, which traditionally serves as college decision day--the deadline for prospective college students to confirm their enrollment and secure their spot for the upcoming semester. Each of us knows that college decisions are not made lightly. Students consider various majors. They look at long-term job prospects and earning potential for their careers. At least we hope they are looking at that before they decide to pursue their studies. As they look at schools, they also evaluate admission requirements, student resources, and the campus culture. But far and away, the most important factor for the majority of students is, how much will it cost? How much will it cost to receive a degree? As any student or parent who has been through this process will attest, it is not a cut- and-dry answer. I have been through it with both of my daughters and still have flashbacks occasionally from the experience. Between scholarships and grants, the advertised sticker price versus the out-of-pocket cost can vary significantly. To cover the remaining balance, students have the option to take out loans, participate in work-study programs, or take on a part-time job. Those decisions require even more consideration and planning. For most students to understand or even begin to evaluate the true cost of college, they rely on something called the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, as you have heard it called.…





