Experts in the Higher Education Space Sound Off on the Issue of Affordability

Why is college affordability such a big issue right now?

Students and their families are focused on saving for education and making sure the degree they choose is worth the investment. College administrators are balancing tuition rates and the investments necessary to attract students. Lastly, the health of the economy depends on introducing skilled workers not overly-burdened with a lifetime of student debt.

What are a few simple ways that students and families can offset college costs?

Guidance offices and on-campus money management centers are great places to explore financial literacy resources, scholarships and grants. Students on financial aid may be eligible for work-study jobs. Additionally, starting a 529 early in a student’s life and learning to budget and save can make a big difference.

What are the ways in which you can make your college experience more accessible?

Take advantage of every opportunity on campus to learn and get involved. Learn about clubs and groups sponsored by the student activities council, listen to a visiting lecturer, explore the campus art museum and attend office hours offered by your professors. Campuses are teeming with opportunities to engage.

How does success in college impact a student’s career?

For many students, college will be the first time in an independent setting without “parental” oversight. Learning to take initiative, being responsible and accountable for actions and behaviors inside and outside of the classroom will improve the chances of lifetime success. Take advantage of access to internships and networks.

Why is college affordability such a big issue right now?

Affordability isn’t a new issue. There’s more focus on it for a few reasons: states are more active on the topic. We have more data and understanding of the value of an education and the burden of student debt. And students have become savvier consumers. Most importantly, it’s critical for students to get a positive return on their college investment.

What are a few simple ways that students and families can offset college costs?

Understand the various format options for course materials that are available today — from digital courseware, to eBooks, to rental and loose-leaf. And it’s not just about finding the lowest-cost option. Digital learning materials can offer powerful, personalized learning experiences and support the skills necessary to enter the workforce.

What are the ways in which you can make your college experience more accessible?

What’s most important is making college success as accessible as possible — and improving on the dismal graduation rates at many U.S. colleges.

The good news is that technology can help by enabling more personalized learning experiences that improve student success rates. It’s an effective and scalable solution to one of the most pressing challenges in higher education.

How does success in college impact a student’s career?

Workers with college degrees earn significantly more in a lifetime than those without one. So, college remains the best investment students can make, assuming they graduate.

Our collective focus should be not only on college access but also on college completion and helping students get the higher-order skills they need for jobs.

Why is college affordability such a big issue right now?

The affordability problem in higher education is decades old. At its best, higher education levels the playing field, providing every learner with the opportunity to succeed — but the reality is often the opposite. Every provider of education, as an institution or learning materials company, has to ask the question: is the product or service I am providing commensurate with the price I am charging? Too often the answer in the minds of students is no. We have a responsibility to remove barriers and provide value for money.

What are a few simple ways that students and families can offset college costs?

A study of over 20,000 students in Florida revealed that 64 percent of students have opted not to purchase a required textbook due to cost. Attending college is an important investment, but too often students are compelled to put that investment at risk due to the high prices of course materials. It is critical we do better for today’s students. Low cost, all-you-can-learn subscription services to course materials and digital courseware can offer learners affordable, high-quality learning materials to keep them enrolled and on track.    

What are the ways in which you can make your college experience more accessible?

Students can’t access quality learning if they can’t afford the materials. We also know that not having the materials in time sets the student back and causes drop-out rates to increase. To reduce cost barriers to higher education, we launched Cengage Unlimited, a service that offers students one-stop access to course materials — across 70 disciplines and 675 courses — for one subscription price. 

How does success in college impact a student’s career?

The fastest-growing jobs in the United States require candidates to have training and education beyond high school. Many of today’s students are returning to school to obtain additional skills to advance their careers or change career paths. Successful learning means more than just a higher number on a paycheck — it means a higher quality of life. Higher education institutions have a clear charter to give their students better opportunities in a truly cost-effective way.

Why is college affordability such a big issue right now?

College affordability has always been part of the conversation, but now that more and more students from first-generation and underrepresented backgrounds are applying to college, the issue has an even more urgent message. With college costs rising year after year and the need for some sort of training after high school more necessary, we are facing a discrepancy in those who can afford their expected family contribution (EFC) and those who can’t. Even fees for books and housing deposits can put families into the red, so the issue of access goes even beyond tuition costs. Families are struggling to weigh the benefits of an expensive college with their everyday costs, therefore reigniting the conversation of college affordability.

What are a few simple ways that students and families can offset college costs?

Start early. Families can learn about the true cost of college early in their child’s K-12 career. By starting a 529 plan if possible, being aware of concepts such as EFC and FAFSA, and modeling and teaching responsible spending, students can be set up for success by the time they get to college. Students can also be best-prepared for merit aid at institutions by working to increase their GPA, getting involved in school and community activities, and choosing courses responsibly.

What are the ways in which you can make your college experience more accessible?

College fit is a major factor in a successful college experience. The feel of campus is definitely a factor, but start the college search early and be realistic when it comes to affordability. Investigate the types of aid provided at the college and use an EFC calculator to understand the true cost. Also, check into the support services offered. Is there a food bank? Is there a first-generation support center? How is the college helping all students succeed?

How does success in college impact a student’s career?

Through thoughtful planning and re-evaluation in each year of college, students can set themselves up for a successful career. It’s not just about grades. Students should re-evaluate their college major each year to make sure it matches their interests. They should engage with the career services office on campus early to gain relevant job experience throughout college. And finally, they should ensure that they are healthy — both physically and mentally — which will help them as they enter their career in the right state of mind, able to overcome obstacles, persevere through stressful situations and have successful habits as they enter the real world.

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