Education News
Affording College is a Growing Concern
College affordability is a growing concern for Kentucky students, families, policymakers and lawmakers. In-state undergraduate tuition has increased an average of 10 percent each year in the past decade, according to the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education. Average student-loan amounts have doubled since the mid-1990’s to $4,800 a year.
At the same time, schools have sustained state funding cuts in recent years and will face another this year as the state solved its $456 million budget shortfall. University presidents say the cuts affect their ability to increase enrollment, produce more degrees and attract top faculty and researchers. The Council on Postsecondary Education just directed that tuition increases be limited this year to 4 percent for resident undergraduates attending our comprehensive universities.
“While so much attention is being focused on tuition, we want to tell “the rest of the story,” namely the significant availability of financial aid. 85 percent of our students receive assistance. The truth is that college is more affordable than most realize” said Dr. Robert King, President and CEO, Council of Postsecondary Education in Frankfort.
“I believe the future of our region, Commonwealth and society is dependent upon the ability of our colleges and universities to
prepare the next generation of citizens and a workforce sufficient to meet the needs of the 21st century. NKU is deeply
committed to providing a high quality education at an affordable price. In spite of multiple reductions in our state funding, we have increased our need and merit based financial assistance to help students achieve their goals. An investment in higher education is always a good investment – particularly in an uncertain economy” said Dr. Gail Wells, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at NKU.
What is the best advice and plan for parents and students to afford the high cost of college tuition? A panel of four experts will address this timely issue with suggestions from several different angles at the April 21st Eggs ‘N Issues breakfast forum. The panel will consist of: Dr. King, Ms. Gail Wells, Provost at Northern Kentucky University, Dr. Ed Hughes, President of Gateway Community & Technical College and Sister Margaret Stallmeyer, President of Thomas More College. Each of these experts will present a brief presentation on the subject followed by a panel of all four to answer audience questions.
The April 21st Eggs ‘N Issues will be held at Receptions, Inc., 1379 Donaldson Road, Erlanger, KY. The forum begins at 7:15 a.m. and concludes at 8:45 a.m. The cost to attend is $15 for pre-registered Chamber members and $25 for future members. Reservations are requested by calling 859.578.6395 or online at www.nkychamber.com.
The Title sponsor of the 2008-2009 Eggs ‘N Issues series is The Kentucky Enquirer. The April sponsor is Northern Kentucky Water District.
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