The Final Cost of Attending College

How much does college cost? Between tuition and fees, room and board, and traveling fees, the dollars start adding up; however, every person’s situation is unique, which changes the final cost of attending college. Many different factors play a part in the cost of furthering one’s education. These factors include in-state or out-of-state tuition, living on or off campus, what type of institution a person will be attending, and how long it will take to complete a certain degree or program. The high cost of college has caused many people to question the value of a college education. Although the price of attending college can seem daunting, there are many programs in place to help individuals pay the cost of attending college. Programs that assist individuals with the cost of college include scholarships, federal financial aid, federal work study, private student loans, individual college payments plans, and many more. This paper will explore four different universities, the cost of attending them, different ways to help pay for higher education, and whether obtaining a college degree is worth it.

Oglethorpe University is a small, private, liberal arts school located in Atlanta, Georgia. Tuition at Oglethorpe is $16,100 dollars per semester (Oglethorpe University Traditional Undergraduate Student Tuition and Fees, 2014). $16,100 dollars adds up to $128,800 dollars for a four year degree. Although Oglethorpe is not located within the state of Alabama, there is no difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition. Room and board averages around $5,850 per semester for on-campus housing (Oglethorpe University Traditional Undergraduate Student Tuition and Fees, 2014). Room and board will cover the cost of a dorm room on-campu...

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...worth it? Pew research says yes. Retrieved May 3, 2014, from Latimes.com: http://www.latimes.com/business/money/la-fi-mo-earnings-college-premium-0140211,0,554341.story#axzz30tAU0u1e

Oglethorpe University Traditional Undergraduate Student Tuition and Fees. (2014). Retrieved March 26, 2014, from oglethorpe.edu: http://www.oglethorpe.edu/Admission/undergraduate/tuition_and_fees/

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Troy University Semester Campuses 9 Month Award Budget. (2013, May 30). Retrieved April 27, 2014, from Troy.edu: http://trojan.troy.edu/financialaid/assets/documents/2013-2014/2013-14-COA-TU-ESTIMATED.pdf

Tuition and Fees 2013-14. (2013). Retrieved March 27, 2014, from cv.edu: http://www.cv.edu/?page_id=3866

Waters, M. J. (2014, April 28). Director of Finacial Aid. (K. Mereand, Interviewer)