MCC students frustrated by sharp tuition increase
Maryjane Bowyer
Throughout the past 10 years tuition costs have increased dramatically, and the 2008-09 school year does not show a glimmer of change. Plans to increase tuition costs at colleges across the state by 9 percent have surfaced, leaving many students scratching their heads as to how to cover new costs.
Mike Blaojjd, a current MCC freshman, is upset about the tuition increase.
“I think raising the costs is ridiculous. We have to pay so much as it is, there is no need for a new increase,” he said.
Some state legislators agree. There has even been talk about a tuition increase freeze plan, to keep costs as low as possible.
With the threat of increased tuition, many students may fear that they would not be able to cover that extra financial burden.
“It’s hard to pay for school and this doesn’t make it any easier,” said Blaojjd,
“Not everyone has a couple hundred extra bucks laying around to pay for this kind of stuff.”
Lucky for him, MCC’s financial aid will continue to lend as much help as possible.
According to Carla Avila an MCC financial aid adviser, financial aid for students in the form of a grant or loan will not see any immediate change and will continue to provide for those who meet the set criteria.
As of now, MCC continues to be in alliance with Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Although FAFSA does not guarantee that they will cover all tuition costs, they do give out anywhere from $200 to over $2,000 to approved students.
Basic requirements to be eligible for FAFSA include being a citizen of the United States and that the student be working towards obtaining a degree.
Determining the amount provided to each applicant is decided after applications are sent to FAFSA and reviewed.
FAFSA applications are available through MCC, and also online at www.FAFSA.com and are due June 30.
Although FAFSA financial aid is available through MCC, there are many other means of financial aid available.
Each year an estimated $166 billion is given out by different financial aid groups to students across the country.
