Money is still available for higher education

	Mark Weigand Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management University of Indianapolis

This article was published in The Indianapolis Star on
December 15, 2008

The new report Measuring Up 2008: The National Report Card on Higher Education has provoked an outcry for giving every state but California an F in college affordability. While the failing grade and other aspects of the report card can be challenged, the good news is that it has generated much-needed discussion about access to college at a time when higher education has never been more vital to the earning power of workers and the economy overall.

The greatest danger of the report, produced by the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, is that it might discourage many Hoosiers from considering a full range of college options, or any higher education, out of fears of affordability, despite the fact that aid is available. In Indiana, we have a governor and legislators who have been supportive of financial aid, making it among the best programs in the country.

Indiana's 21^st Century Scholarship Program is a model for other states and assures low-income students a full-tuition scholarship. The higher education grant is set up so students can attend either public or independent institutions in Indiana, enabling these students to find the fit that is right for them.

Still, cost is always a barrier, and it is an unfortunate reality that too many Hoosiers are not attending and graduating from college. Only 23 percent of the state's residents hold a bachelor's degree, which ranks us near the bottom of the list compared with other states.  Clearly, Indiana needs to encourage more individuals to attain a higher education if we are to experience economic growth and attract investment.

Private colleges strive to make education affordable

Indiana's independent colleges and universities are working hard to keep higher education affordable and to address other issues of access. The University of Indianapolis awarded more than $66 million in financial aid to students this past year from federal, state, and institutional financial aid. This included more than $19 million in our own university scholarships, and we plan to increase that amount for next year. 

Independent Colleges of Indiana recently reported that more than 90 percent of full-time undergraduate students at the 31 private colleges in the state were receiving financial aid, and total grants (including federal, state, and university dollars) average more than $18,000 per student.

Contrary to the popular perception that private colleges cater to the wealthy, the average family income of students enrolled at Indiana's independent institutions is some $3,500 lower than that of students enrolled at four-year state institutions. And, because Indiana's independent colleges and universities reduce state-funded direct appropriations, they actually save the state more than $43,000 per graduate. 

Students and parents need to realize that money is still available for higher education at both public and independent institutions. We all need to work together to continue to encourage students to reach their goal of a college degree. And, as the state searches for ways to continue adequate funding for students to attend college, we should continue to look for ways to encourage public and private partnerships to stretch our valuable resources.

In these difficult times, it could be one of the most important investments we make for our citizens and for our future.