–LAKE COUNTY — There was a time when college was more affordable, but the high costs of a four-year college education today mean many Lake County students heading off to college later this month can expect to get saddled with student loans, must seek out scholarships and financial aid, get part-time or full-time jobs, or all of the above. Some opt to head to a community college to save money, but most agree that the prospect of affording college is becoming more stressful and daunting as each year passes and student fees go up.
The cost of a University of California four-year education for the 2007-2008 school year tops $7,300. Add to that books, food, and lodging, and the cost is about $21,000 annually, according to the UC Web site. Each year fees increase, with no end in sight.
One source of encouragement comes from the local College-Going Initiative program run by the Lake County Office of Education, which is gearing up for its fall “Higher Education Week” Sept. 25-26 at four high school locations throughout the county.
CGI coordinator Jamey Gill says the 109 students heading to college this fall is part of an upward college-enrollment trend for Lake County students. “We want to get the word out about the program, the workshops and everything that is available to students and parents from elementary school on up to high school to encourage them to go to college,” said Gill.
The financial aid workshops, college-recruiters and counselors at the upcoming Higher Education Week will be available to answer questions to anyone interested in participating, said Gill. And a good thing too, when stresses about how to afford college can seem overwhelming to the college-going kid.
For local Kelseyville resident Ken Elston, who graduated from UC Berkeley in 1969, the costs of going to college were more realistic during the 1960”s.
“When I first went to Berkeley, it was $100 bucks a quarter. Period. I rented a studio apartment for another $100 a month, and was able to do this with a part-time job at a gas station,” said Elston.
“Now it”s ridiculous, the amount it costs now, at a UC or state school it”s a joke. Where do all the costs go? That”s what I”ve always wanted to know. But back then, everybody looked like they were doing fine, my wife went there at the same time and there were no fees, it was all part of the deal. I wouldn”t want to go now, and I certainly wouldn”t want to put anyone through college now,” said Elston.
Recent re-transplant to Lake County, pediatric dentist Levi Palmer, who heads a family dental practice in Kelseyville, says he is struggling to pay back the $300,000 in student loans it took to pay for his education.
“The cost of education is out of control. The problem it poses for Lake County kids and our community is that it”s impossible to come back here and get a job where you can pay back the loans. The only way I was able to do it was because I was really lucky. I was able to inherit my father”s dental practice. Otherwise I would have to be in a big city like Denver,” said Palmer, who says he mentors students and gives advice to patients with questions about what to expect from college.
For students who decide a community college is the best route, according to a recent “I Can Afford College Campaign” press release, a Cal Grant specifically earmarked for community college students is available. The deadline for this financial aid is Sept. 2. Additional financial aid is available at community colleges year-round. More information can be obtained at www.icanaffordcollege.com or by contacting Mendocino College in the Lake County at 263-4944.
Contact Elizabeth Wilson at ewilson@record-bee.com. To comment on this story, scroll to “Comment” at the bottom of this webpage, fill out the webform, and click “Publish”.
