For many people, the idea of going to college is both exciting and nerve-wracking, as it is viewed as one of the most important times of a student’s life to further their education and career. Throughout the years, and more recently, younger generations have questioned the importance of college, and the weight that college debt and acceptance bears on them.
In recent years, college acceptance rates have lowered significantly due to an increased number of applicants. While acceptance rates lower, tuition continues to skyrocket compared to past decades. According to the Education Data Initiative, the cost of tuition increased 31.4% from 2010 to 2020 for public 4-year institutions. Not only is it harder for students to get into their ideal schools, it has now become very financially difficult to afford a four year college experience without struggling with debt.
Recently, the Biden Administration has proposed a student debt relief plan which includes loan forgiveness of up to $20,000. However, that is only one-third of the cost of one year’s tuition. While the aid may help families repay a fractions of their debt, it still does not account for the remainder of the cost for a year in college and the years to come.
This year at CHS, seniors that have faced the college application process detail their experience and thoughts on college.
Senior Grace Wartmann of Eatontown plans to move onto a more advanced level to pursue figure skating.
“I don’t necessarily think college is important, I think if you choose not to go to college that is a fine decision,” Wartmann said. “ I think that college can just be a waste of money for some careers.”
College is not the end all be all for success, but the advanced courses can set you on the right path for the career you want to have. Senior Ayumi Sykes of Tinton Falls suggests that higher education can help achieve your occupational goals, though it is not necessary for all.
“I think college is definitely important depending on what field you’re looking to go into,” Sykes said. “For certain things, like art related or beauty or anything like that, you don’t have to go to college.”
For those who want to go to college but struggle with tuition and travel, the best option would be to go to community college in a state which allows you to save money and still learn at a higher level. According to StudentScholarships.org, “Community colleges are way more affordable and accessible compared to universities and four-year colleges. The class schedules are often more flexible with night classes available to allow people to work a full-time job. For certain career paths, community college can often be a better fit.” Not to mention, community colleges allow students to explore and find the right career for themselves before possibly transferring to a new university or finding a job.
Although it may be nice to go to your dream college, at the end of the day if the price is not right, the education is not worth the debt.
