Most high school graduates have already decided which college they want to attend in the fall. But many are still struggling to figure out how they will pay tuition.
“As of now I’m going to BU, but because of financial reasons it really won’t be [binding] until that May 1st deadline for the deposit rolls around,” said Garline Garguilo, a senior at Trinity Catholic High School in Connecticut.
While private college tuition is rising at the lowest rate in nearly four decades, a 3.9 percent statewide tuition hike last year still exceeds the inflation rate. The paradox is, most private schools in Boston witnessed an increase in applications despite the tuition hike and the economy.
Boston University, for instance, raised its tuition by 3.75 percent, but received nearly 2,000 more applications.
“More and more students seem to be expanding the range and type of schools they apply to,” said BU spokesman Colin Riley, adding that a wider acceptance of common applications also contributed to the increase in application rates. Many students are applying to more than 10 schools to better their chances of getting in and getting the aid they need.
Rebecca Pollock, a senior at Pennsbury High School in Pennsylvania, said she’ll be able to attend Emerson College with a combination of scholarships, financial aid and federal loans. The college, while raising its tuition by 4.6 percent, also increased its aid by 12 percent.
“The tuition is pricey but so is every school’s,” she said. “I knew that I couldn’t completely afford any school, so I went with my heart, even if it means struggling to pay off loans after graduation.”
