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It’s Time to Get Over Sticker Shock

For the last 10 years or so, private colleges have made huge strides to make college more affordable for middle-class families.  Even though sticker prices may be rising, discounts have been rising along-side.  In 2008, the latest year for which data is available, the average discount rate for first-time, full-time freshman was 42 %.  According to the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), the increase in discounts has been driven by the economic downturn.  In their survey of 355 independent institutions, NACUBO found discounts to be at an all-time high.  In our practice, we have observed similar discounts, with some students receiving discounts of 75-100%.  When students are a good fit for the prospective college,... Read More »

Budget Cuts, Huge Tutition Increases at Public Universities

JNES5HNW74N9 At least 39 states have cut assistance to public colleges and universities, resulting in reductions in faculty and staff.  In some states the budget crises created by the recession have created massive problems on campus.  In California, tenured faculty have been asked to take wage cuts and are working up to 21 unpaid days this year.  Further, budget cuts and tuition raises in the University of California system have faced huge resistance from faculty and students.  For the first time in decades, UC campuses have seen student occupation of administrative buildings, student and faculty joint protests and marches, and on-campus rioting. The conflicts are less aggressive at other state universities, but are causing great... Read More »

How to Think About the College Investment

For middle class families, one can expect to pay $50-200 thousand dollars for 4 plus years of college education. For many families, this investment will be second only to the cost of their home. Beyond monetary investment, your child's future is on the line. Making incorrect choices can amount to years of wasted time for a student, a misuse of family money, the loss of self-esteem and damage to career prospects. With such high high stakes, prudent deliberation is a must. College has always been a special time in the lives of young adults. In the early years of post secondary institutions of learning, college was a time for separation, intensive study, and great camaraderie. In the years since the baby... Read More »