College tuition influences school choices

Mary Earp
December 14, 2011

From the housing market to finances in schools, the current economic condition is affecting nearly every area of our lives. It is also changing the way high school students applying for college, as they must make choices based on what they can afford instead of being able to choose based on the college.

“The economy has played a large role in college decisions lately,” Michelle Olson, counselor, said. “Many students are choosing to go to in-state public universities or community colleges that would not have otherwise.”

A study from USA Today showed that seven in 10 high school students have been forced to make changes in where they would go to college due to the economy. This is also true for some at West Linn High School, as many students have shown financial concerns for college.

“The way that the system is set up right now, if I were to go to a four year university, I would automatically be in debt,” Aidan Poor, senior, said. “Because of this, I’ve changed my decision and am going to community college next year.”

According to Olson, many students are scared of student loans which could adversely affect their finances once they leave or graduate from college.

“The fear of student loans is great and many students want to stay debt free, especially since the job market has not been that great,” Olson said.

Another factor that students may not think of is other college-related costs besides tuition. This includes expenses such as books, housing and food.

“Tuition plays a major role in many decisions for colleges,” Olson said. “Also, it costs money to apply to schools. Each application has a price, along with sending test scores and transcripts. It adds up and does not help the stress level of students or parents.”

Olson describes the process of applying to schools as stressful for both students and parents.

“Along with the stresses associated with money, the stress of addressing the requirements of each application can be problematic for students,” Olson said. “Being proactive and organized is the key to getting through college applications.”

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About the Contributor

Mary Earp, Co Editor-in-chief

Perfectionist, outgoing and busy are just three of the many words that describe Mary Earp, senior. Earp heard about Amplifier from her eighth grade English teacher, and has been a part of the staff since her freshman year. Currently, she is one of the three Co-Editors-in-chiefs of the paper. Most people have goals that they would like to pursue in their life, and this is a true statement for Earp as well. “I want to be a doctor, and I know this sounds cheesy, but I would really like to make a difference in the world,” Earp said. After high school, her hopes include attending either Pomona College or University of California, Berkeley. Outside of school, Earp has a very hectic life which includes playing co-ed soccer, being a member of the school Mock Trial team and being the President of National Honor Society. She is traveling to New York in late October for an international Mock Trial Competition, Empire, where she is assigned to present the closing argument and both direct and cross examinations for the trial. Some highlights of Earp’s summer were hanging out with friends and taking a vacation to North Carolina, where she visited family and spent some time at the warm sunny beach. If Earp could visit any place two places in the world, she would choose “Italy and Machu Picchu, Peru, because the scenery is beautiful,” Earp said. Her favorite year in high school so far was junior year. “It challenged me the most and broadened my horizons,” Earp said. So far in her senior year, the class Earp most enjoys is AP Environmental Science, “It’s very interesting, enlightening, and I have a great teacher,” Earp said. Earp’s senior year is packed with AP Environmental Science, AP Calculus BC and AP English, leaving her with a long night of work to complete. The most challenging part of taking these classes “is all of the work involved,” Earp said. So far, her last year in high school has been hectic and full of work, yet she is excited and looking forward to all of the opportunities that lie ahead in her future.