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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 »