by Ariel Rivera
Colleges are slowly getting more expensive every year and more people are falling into debt. According to Business Insider, “the average cost of tuition and fees increased by more than 3%.” America is heavily in debt at an astounding 1.5 trillion dollars according to Forbes.
Students start their early adult life most likely paying back loans unless they have a scholarship or grant, which not as many people are as fortunate to get. Guidance counselor Karen Forrer has personally seen the cost of going to college go up from when she was in college.
Some may ask if going to college is worth risking debt, and Forrer said, “That’s a personal choice, and there is no right or wrong answer, but I would suggest students strongly consider not taking out more loans then are expected salary would be in one year,” and she also advised to make this decision with parents.
Options for student loans can vary and Forrer said, “It depends on who they take the loan out from, you can pay loans back while in college after you finish college.” Student loans can take years to pay off and when asked about what advice can be given to people who are in debt or who are making the decision to go to a college, Forrer said, “You have to develop self discipline and make a payment plan, and you may have to give or sacrifice some of what you want to do.”
Sophomore Jordan Bones was asked a few questions on his knowledge of college debt. Bones would like to attend Shippensburg or Pittsburgh in the future to stay close to family and hopes to pursue a career in technology to work with computers. When asked if he was aware of the college expense rates going up Bones replied, ”I was not aware that the prices to attend college were going up every year.”
This helps show that not all students are aware that college in America is getting more costly by the year, which could affect their decision if they do decide to pursue certain careers that require a higher degree. Schools and parents should help teens become aware of the pricey tuition of going to college can be. York Suburban High School is holding a financial aid night October 2nd at 6:30 pm in room 160 for anyone who wants information about college financial aid.