Students Making Difficult College Choices

Most students have come to expect an annual rise in tuition.  The cost of a college education can increase from 3.5 percent to 6.0 percent.  Increasing cost of energy and the struggle to compete with colleges that have large endowments is putting colleges out of reach for certain students.  Colleges are obligated to increase their level of security.  Parents expect a safe environment for students who are in urban and rural communities.  Many colleges are offering a wide range of transportation options for students.  Some colleges are establishing contracts with transportation companies who will manage on-campus buses and schedules.  Students can feel safe traveling from the main campus to local residents in their community.

The changing economy is putting new demands on college budgets. Students are applying to five colleges to increase their chances of getting admitted and to identify the least expensive college.  Colleges are facing challenges in terms of reaching their enrollment goals because students are not making a firm decision right away.  Students need to have options when they consider the cost of earning a four year degree.  Students must consider the cost of travel to colleges that are far away.  This can lead to an inability to travel home frequently.

Colleges are obligated to meet the requirements of the accrediting agencies that approve their curriculum. Some college presidents are increasing the number of professors and research activities to ensure that their college is reaccredited.  Additional research can require millions of dollars in an institution’s resources.  Students will not enroll in

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