Let’s face it: ever since you were a little kid you’ve been putting a dent in your parents’ wallet – but with college searches creeping around the corner, the highly praised and prestigious university you’re considering will make your parents pay too much for their buck.

With states endlessly cutting education funds, the price of college is soaring higher and higher. “According to the Sallie Mae report, a whopping 69% of families eliminated certain colleges from the decision process simply because costs were too high”(Tuttle 1). So it’s time to empty out your piggy bank and discover scholarship opportunities because a good education could mean a whole chunk of cash out of your pocket – or a ton of debt waiting for you when you graduate.

According to CNN Money, the total cost of a private four-year university before scholarships and financial aid is $43,289 and $22,261 for a public four-year in-state university – most likely the reason why 29% of students are packing their bags or staying at home to attend lower-cost community colleges. When is tuition for college too much? It obviously depends on the income of many families, but even families earning over $100,000 a year have a hard time affording colleges that cost over $50,000 a year.

It is absolutely ridiculous that just because of money trouble, students can’t go out into the real world and enjoy the full college experience – living with a dorm roommate, thriving in a big city or on a small tight-knit campus, having downtime between classes, and being away from mom and dad.

America is falling behind in education is because states are continuously cutting funds for universities. “States have cut the amount of money they are giving to colleges by a total of $15.2 billion since 2007, or 17.4%” (Clark 1). A child’s education is most important to parents, and it should be important to the state too. It is absolutely appalling that universities are losing more and more funds each year; and programs such as financial aid are diminishing.

We may not be able to change the state’s decision, but students can look for opportunities that will make their journey to college smoother. Juniors and seniors – be on a look out for scholarship opportunities. High schools often pair up with foundations and outside clubs, such as Rotary and Kiwanis, to provide students with scholarship money to help relieve tuition costs. Schools look for bright and intelligent kids. SAT scores should be above average and community service hours should be through the roof! More importantly, it’s time that students get out into the world and get a job in the area that they want to pursue a career in. Not only do you make money to help pay for your college education, but it also shows colleges how dedicated and hard working you are.

A lot of parents are scared by the word “college”, but the price tag is an even worse nightmare. Colleges are snatching for money right out of parents’ pockets. To avoid debt after college and the burden on your shoulders, look for scholarships and financial aid opportunities. The sky-high price of college is unacceptable, and in these recessive economic times, sometimes the most expensive option isn’t the best option.