抖阴破解版

The cost of earning a college degree remains a significant challenge for many families across the U.S., especially students from low-income households and marginalized communities. The rising costs of college, coupled with the confusing world of financial aid, create huge barriers that seem impossible to overcome.  Sometimes the sticker shock will even stop a student from applying to their dream school.

This is unfortunate because receiving a bachelor’s degree has been shown to serve as a pathway to economic mobility and personal growth. In fact, studies have revealed that the rate of return outperforms the stock market, and degree holders earn a median of $2.8 million throughout their careers. That is 75 percent more than those with only a high school diploma.¹ 

Despite the obstacles, a college education does not need to remain just a dream for your student. It can become a reality with the correct information, resources, and support. It’s important to begin the college application process with some basic knowledge, including the following:

1. Overcoming the shock of college pricing—If you are currently starting a college search, you have likely been stunned by the prices. Hear us when we say, the sticker price should not deter you from applying. It is rare that an accepted student will ever pay close to the full published tuition, especially at a private institution. On average, private nonprofit colleges cut tuition by more than half for first-time undergraduates.² 

 At 抖阴破解版, for example, the average total out-of-pocket cost is $25,190, annually. This is compared to a published price of $66,690.

2. Understanding financial aid—Most U.S. students and their families benefit from some type of financial aid and learning how to navigate this process effectively is the key to unlocking opportunities. It’s also interesting to note that after aid, the net price of a private institution can be comparable to what a public one can offer. In fact, a survey conducted by The National Association of College and University Business Officers shows that the share of first-time, full-time students who received an institutional grant or scholarship from private nonprofit colleges was estimated to be at nearly 90 percent.³  

At Dean, all applicants are automatically considered for a merit-based scholarship and 98 percent of students receive some form of financial aid. Our student financial planning team are experts at answering all of your questions and making your college education affordable.

3. What does “free tuition” really mean?—In an effort to make a college education more accessible, some institutions are now offering free tuition to those who qualify. However, it’s important to be aware of the fine print. Eligibility requirements, renewal conditions, residency stipulations, and additional costs can significantly impact the true value of this offer, and it may not end up truly being free. 

4. Is the return on investment of a college education worth it?—The short answer is yes! Research confirms that earning a college degree produces higher career earnings than a high school diploma alone.1 In addition to the financial advantages, there are also societal benefits of earning a college degree, like lower levels of unemployment and poverty, better personal health, lower incarceration rates, and higher levels of civic participation.⁴  Therefore, investing in higher education really does result in a positive return. 

At Dean, 96 percent of graduates are employed or enrolled in grad school within one year of graduating. A degree from Dean has launched our graduates into careers at NBC Universal, The Walt Disney Company, Fidelity Investments, and many more organizations across the globe. 

5. The value of a private college education—There are clear advantages to obtaining a degree from a public institution that should not be overlooked and will appeal to certain students. However, for some individuals, a smaller private school can be of significant value and the published price should not deter them from applying. Students and their families rarely pay the published price of a private education, and the net price may be the same or even less than that of a public institution. Private colleges often provide more competitive financial aid packages, better support, and a more personalized education experience than their public counterparts. 

At Dean, our close-knit community means students have support not only from professors but also from success and career advisors. All classes are taught by faculty, not teaching assistants. The Dean Career Advantage takes a holistic approach to career preparation, incorporating it into everything a student experiences while at Dean and 100 percent of our students are required to complete at least one internship. In addition, specialized academic support services provide students of all learning styles with expert assistance.

For the family who has always dreamed of sending their student to a small private school with personalized attention, this message is for you: it is possible at an affordable price.

To learn more about navigating cost considerations as part of the college search journey and the 10 must-ask questions, please read our informative white paper, “Demystifying the Cost of College: Why a Private College May be More Affordable Than You May Think.” Authored by 抖阴破解版’s Assistant Vice President of Student Financial Planning, Jean Ricker, you will gain valuable insight into how to make the college dream a reality.

SOURCES 
1 Anthony P. Carnevale, Ban Cheah, and Emma Wenzinger. The College Payoff: More Education Doesn’t Always Mean More Earnings. Washington, DC: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, 2021. cew.georgetown.edu/collegepayoff2021 
2 National Association of College and University Business Officers 2022 Tuition Discounting Study https://www.nacubo.org/Press-Releases/2023/Tuition-Discount-Rates-at-Private-Colleges-and-Universities-Top-50-Percent 
3 National Association of College and University Business Officers 2021 Tuition Discounting Study https://www.nacubo.org/Press-Releases/2022/Tuition-Discount-Rates-at-Private-Colleges-and-Universities-Hit-All-Time-Highs 
4 Sandy Baum and Kathleen Payea. Education Pays: The Benefits of Higher Education for Individuals and Society. The College Board, Revised 2005. https://research.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/education-pays-2004-full-report.pdf