October 26, 2009
ELMIRA -- A new report by the College Board shows the average cost of a four-year degree has gone up by about 5% in the past year.
In-state students at public universities are paying a national average of an extra $400 per year.
Out-of-state students give up over $1,000 extra per year, as do students at private colleges.
At some local colleges, students are paying about five thousand dollars more each year now compared to when they were freshmen.
Colleges blame the rising costs on things like insurance, the economy, government regulations, and technology costs.
"There are all kinds of costs that seem to go up every year. It's very difficult to go without some things, but colleges have to," said Mike Rogers of Elmira College.
Universities also acknowledge that they have a responsibility to make sure tuition costs remain affordable and accessible for local residents, but they are unsure what they can do about it aside from offering as much financial aid as possible.
"About 65% of our students have demonstrated financial need that we meet with institutional resources," said Eric Maguire of Ithaca College.
"A much smaller percentage receive a merit based scholarship and then there are some students who pay the full sticker price," he added.
