My experience was working min wage all year would barely cover tuition and books at a state school. $5k/yr at 3.35/hr. In fact, I remember while working my first job, I calculated the only way I could afford to live independently was with a roommate.
Now min wage is closer to 10k/yr at $6/hr. I believe you can still get the $500/qtr at community colleges. Must of the students I knew had Pell grants covering $1200, which would just about cover tuition at the CC, and only worked for spending money and living expenses. Usually part time. Most usually took loans, which I resisted, but in hindsight, borrowing for education might be a good investment. I'd say the biggest problem I saw was very few kids knew financial was available. Until someone pointed it out to me, I'd just mentally ruled out any chance of college.
I can understand the dorm requirement. Managing the classwork in a good school is challenge enough without dealing with maintaining a household too. Moving out of the dorm had a detrimental effect on my ability to perform scholastically.
I think it's possible to get a fine education at the public schools, if one applies oneself. Of course, as Goodwill Hunting suggested, it's also possible to get a good education at a public library. |
