Susie at Suburban Guerilla found this article about the rising income levels of new college students, and it made me wonder how much people paid for college tuition (assuming they attended) back when they were full-time students. Here's an interesting quote:
"Students from wealthier families can endure greater fluctuations in 'sticker price' than poorer students," José Luis Santos, a UCLA professor and co-author of the report, said in a statement. "As a result, more students entering college come from homes that are increasingly wealthier than the national median income."
When I went to the U of Arizona in 1968-1972 (with breaks) I think it cost my parents about $250-300 per semester for in-state tuition. That was a public university. When I attended Hawaii Pacific College (private) in 1978-1979 to finish up my Bachelor's degree I paid roughly $1000 per semester out of my own savings.
How about you? Got any financial memories?
Posted by Linkmeister at April 10, 2007 10:56 AM | TrackBackUniversity of Minnesota, 1972-78, I was paying $180 a quarter for full time enrollment with another $50 in fees. My recent grad degree at a Catholic institution was $500 a credit for 36 credits. Roughly $18,000 for two years. Fortunately, I had a nearly full ride, 'cuz theology texts are really expensive.
Posted by: Melanie at April 10, 2007 01:58 PMWe recently funded a young man in our family for 1 semester at a State School, and it was $7,000 - I think some of that was living expenses.
Posted by: cassie-b at April 11, 2007 05:18 AMMy total student loans at the end of four years at Seton Hall (1970-74) were $5000. That covered all of my tuition. I lived at home, so no dorm fees. I was a teaching assistant for most of my grad school career at URI, so I got full tuition remission most semesters.
Posted by: DXMachina at April 11, 2007 09:20 AMMy first semester at Syracuse University (1983) was paid by selling my car for $2000, along with a $7500 loan. I can't really remember whether the loan was strictly for tuition or partly for living expenses and books. In any case, the the school gave me a full scholarship the next semester and thru graduation. I also found a sweet job with super flexible hours and great perks (unlimited use of computers and printers), so I got off pretty easy financially with just the one loan.
My son's tuition this year is horrifying. First semester bill was $28,000. Gawd. If it was left to me and my wallet, he wouldn't be going there. Just no way. His dad is writing the tuition checks and yes, his income is well above the national median.
A friend's son is looking at schools for this coming year. He was accepted at Drexel (his first choice) with a $10,000 scholarship. Still, the remainders are way more than his family can afford even with additional student aid. He won't be going there. He's a really bright kid and it's a shame he's shut out. He'll be going to UMass instead.
Posted by: Kate at April 12, 2007 10:25 AM$28K for a semester worth of tuition, room and board? Holy Cow!
Posted by: Linkmeister at April 12, 2007 02:35 PMThat's my understanding. I'm not sure how the billing is broken down because tuition plus room and board comes to slightly over $44K per year. But they wanted $28K up front.
Posted by: Kate at April 12, 2007 02:50 PMYe gods and little fishes. Extrapolating for 4.5 years that would be $198K.
Posted by: Linkmeister at April 12, 2007 03:01 PM