Cost definitely influences choice of college plans.
Erin Hebert College is extremely expensive. Luckily, my top choice school isn't super expensive, though it is expensive. College expenses are ridiculous. Any college loans are also ridiculous. Something people should be worried about, is that we are having an entire generation, or multiple generations, going into a not very strong economy, filled with student loans. I think that isgoing to be a really big problem, if it isn't already. But, finances are scary, loans are scary, but I am hoping to go to UMass-Amherst, so it should not be too hard financially. I want to go to college because I want to be an engineer, and that is not something you can learn on the fly. It is something you need to go to college for, but I understand when people don't want to go to college, due to the costs. If you go to a $40,000-a-year-school, you will be drowning in debt until you are 60! And I can really understand why you would choose not to do that.
Ashley Bieg ASHLEY BIEG
Holyoke High
As a senior in high school, it is pretty scary to think of all the money that is going to be spent on your college education. Taking that into account, I have decided to go to a school close to home, and it is a lot cheaper, or more affordable that a journalism college in Boston. Yes, it is scary to think of the debt that my parents will be in for awhile, and saying that, I hope I will be able to get some scholarships and some financial aid that I need.
Marissa Bernard MARISSA BERNARD
Holyoke High
Like Erin, I am also planning on majoring in engineering in college. Many of the schools that have it, are expensive. So, I am looking at state schools. But, another part of my decision will be the money I get from scholarships. So, I am filling out a lot of applications, trying to get as much as I can. I will figure out from there.
Charlotte Berry CHARLOTTE BERRY
Longmeadow High
I am only a freshman in high school, so I have not started worrying about the cost of college. But, looking around me, I have recognized that high school should be a time of building your resume, with activities you enjoy and working hard to get the best grades you can and focusing on your experiences now.