Barriers to College - Financing Higher Education
Ann Brandau-Murguia is the Unified Government 3rd District commissioner. Previously, Ann Brandau-Murguia served as chairwomen on a committee focused on researching the barriers to college for low-income students.
In the last few decades, educators and policymakers have reduced the barriers that obstruct college education for the low-income population, except for financial obstacles.
When comparing statistics between low-income and other students, there is a disparity between the two. Sixty-two percent of the students who come from affluent families typically finish their degrees by 24. In comparison, only 13 percent of low-income students will finish at the same age.
The financial issues that prevent low-income students from accessing higher education take on a few different nuances. Education is very expensive, regardless of the institution. However, as college costs increase (e.g. books, tuition, and housing), the available scholarship and grant funding are not, leaving many having to choose between going in debt or attending school.
Not only is the rising costs of college an obstacle, but the uncertainty regarding what it costs to attend college. Students are not given adequate information as it relates to the reality of what it costs to attend college, and this is especially seen with community college transfers. In fact, students transferring into a bachelor’s program struggle with adjusting to pay for college or university courses, which are more expensive.
When students struggle, the typical response is to work while attending school. While the extra money alleviates financial pressures, it also delays graduation. In some cases, students do not return for several years if at all.
In the last few decades, educators and policymakers have reduced the barriers that obstruct college education for the low-income population, except for financial obstacles.
When comparing statistics between low-income and other students, there is a disparity between the two. Sixty-two percent of the students who come from affluent families typically finish their degrees by 24. In comparison, only 13 percent of low-income students will finish at the same age.
The financial issues that prevent low-income students from accessing higher education take on a few different nuances. Education is very expensive, regardless of the institution. However, as college costs increase (e.g. books, tuition, and housing), the available scholarship and grant funding are not, leaving many having to choose between going in debt or attending school.
Not only is the rising costs of college an obstacle, but the uncertainty regarding what it costs to attend college. Students are not given adequate information as it relates to the reality of what it costs to attend college, and this is especially seen with community college transfers. In fact, students transferring into a bachelor’s program struggle with adjusting to pay for college or university courses, which are more expensive.
When students struggle, the typical response is to work while attending school. While the extra money alleviates financial pressures, it also delays graduation. In some cases, students do not return for several years if at all.
