Here’s why college may be more affordable than you think, according to experts
Here’s why college may be more affordable than you think, according to experts SILive.com
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Sustainable Development Goals and College Affordability
Introduction
As high school students prepare to research colleges and universities, a major obstacle often comes when it’s time to think about the cost of tuition, applying for financial aid and the potential burden of student debt.
It may be difficult to navigate just how much the total cost will be when attending college — and there is a lot of misinformation when it comes to the type of aid available and who is eligible.
College Affordability and the Sustainable Development Goals
- Goal 4: Quality Education
- Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
- Goal 1: No Poverty
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
College is too expensive
According to the U.S. News & World Report, the average cost of tuition and fees to attend a ranked public college in-state is about 74% less than the average sticker price at a private college — at $10,423 for the 2022-2023 school year compared to $39,723.
Remember: There are some expensive schools but, high tuition isn’t a requirement for a good education.
There are also several ways to help afford college, such as applying for aid or scholarships. In the 2021-2022 school year, undergraduate students received an average of $15,330 in financial aid — in grants, federal loans, education tax credits and deductions, and federal work-study, according to the College Board.
I don’t qualify for aid
There are several reasons some students may think they don’t qualify for financial aid — like if they have a high family income, their parents saved for college, or being a straight-A student.
Aid is intended to make a college education available for students of families in many financial situations — so there is no cut-off based on income, according to the College Board. Financial aid administrators will also take into account other family members in college, home mortgage costs and other factors.
If your family saved money for college, it won’t make you ineligible for aid if you need it — but it will help you have fewer loans to repay. A family’s share of college costs is mostly based on income, not assets like savings.
And if you think you aren’t eligible due to high marks in school, don’t worry. Most federal aid is based on financial need — not grades.
So apply for aid and see what is available to you.
I have to take a loan if I apply for it
You are not obligated to accept a loan if it’s awarded to you. Apply for aid and compare the loan with other debt instruments and assets to determine the best financial deal.
And if you accept more federal student loan money than you actually need, you can return it without being penalized. You have 120 days from disbursement to return additional funds without paying interest.
Student loans must be repaid, so make sure you take the time to determine what your costs will be and borrow only what you need.
I can’t afford to attend a private college
Before you start debating if you can afford the college of your choice, many experts recommend deferring cost considerations until late in the college selection process, according to the College Board.
You may
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.1 By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes | – Average cost of tuition and fees for attending college – Availability of financial aid for undergraduate students |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.3 By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university | – Availability of financial aid for college education – Affordability of private colleges compared to public colleges |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.2 By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status | – Financial aid eligibility based on income and other factors – Financial aid availability for students from different income levels |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The SDGs addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article are SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:
– Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
– Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.
– Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include:
– Average cost of tuition and fees for attending college: This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 4.1, as it reflects the affordability of education.
– Availability of financial aid for undergraduate students: This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 4.1, as it determines the accessibility of financial support for students.
– Availability of financial aid for college education: This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 4.3, as it reflects the affordability and accessibility of higher education.
– Affordability of private colleges compared to public colleges: This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 4.3, as it assesses the equality of access to different types of institutions.
– Financial aid eligibility based on income and other factors: This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 10.2, as it determines the inclusivity of financial aid policies.
– Financial aid availability for students from different income levels: This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 10.2, as it reflects the efforts to promote social and economic inclusion in education.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.1 By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes | – Average cost of tuition and fees for attending college – Availability of financial aid for undergraduate students |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.3 By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university | – Availability of financial aid for college education – Affordability of private colleges compared to public colleges |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.2 By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status | – Financial aid eligibility based on income and other factors – Financial aid availability for students from different income levels |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: silive.com
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