Introducing The Next Generation Of Leaders And Thinkers

Are the Best Things in Life Really Free?

The common saying “the best things in life are free,” is representative of an outdated notion that does not apply to the modern generation. While many of the best aspects of life come free, there is one that is a far cry from it. I am talking about education. This beautiful part of one’s life is usually born of motivation, intellectual curiosity, and a passion for knowledge but requires substantial funds and often leaves one crippled in debt. I value my education and regard it as a treasure of my lifetime. However, I am aware of the looming threat of mounting costs and fear the end when debt payments will appear in my mailbox. At this moment in life where I prepare for higher education, I identify strongly with anxiety for my future seems to be charged with dollar signs.

The pursuit of education has been my purpose since I was a small child. Every effort and late night have led up to attending an institution of higher learning in which I would continue my studies in an environment of my choosing. Everything has led up to this period of my life. Yet, I cannot look forward to the days ahead of planning my dorm theme and meeting strangers because something else occupies my mind. And this thought haunts me. This thought terrifies me.

How am I going to afford college?

And even before entering college and meeting a wall of outstanding costs, there are ridiculously overpriced application fees, fees to send scores and to apply for financial aid. I felt especially concerned when I had a list of schools and had tallied the cost of applying to each. My heart stopped a beat at the result. I cannot bear to disclose the amount of money my parents has provided to me just to apply to a school I may not get into.

Let’s see some statistics, shall we? The average cost of an application alone is $37.88. This may not seem like a threat to the bank but take into consideration the price of schools with a more prestigious reputation and the quantity of schools in which you plan to apply to. If your dream is to attend an Ivy League, listen to this. Harvard’s application tops at $75 and there are other institutions whose bill reaches $80 and above. This is without considering the cost of standardized testing and other factors. Now onto the actual education. The average cost for a public four-year university is $9,410 for in-state students and $23,890 for out-of-state students. (Consider yourself lucky if you live in the same state where your dream school is located.) A private four-year university average rings in at a whopping $32,410.

Evidently, the costs begin to add up. While this is an issue present in society, do not give up on your dreams. Pursue scholarships and enter any contest to grab ahold of funds to help you out. There are thousands of resources out there. This is not meant to discourage you but instead to encourage you to do something about the costs of achieving your goals and dreams. I believe in you and your future!

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