2008 Woodie Awards
Our View: FAFSA for Some, Does More Harm than Good
Issue date: 3/27/08 Section: Opinion
The poor economy seems to be hitting students particularly hard this year. Not only are groceries insanely expensive right now, students who help their parents or pay for college themselves are really feeling the economic backhand.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other financial sources simply do not account for the average, middle-class college student. Quite simply, the system is based on the assumption that parents pay for college, which is often not the case.
In fact, the FASFA works against average citizens and is really only adequate for students who fall in either of the extreme social classes. The upper class can generally afford college expenses and the lower class is sometimes provided with multiple financial compensation opportunities.
Where does this leave the ones in the middle? It leaves them with limited financing options and higher interest rates.
The tax refunds further disappoint these broke college students because there are minimal refunds for those with financial aid. In addition, many middle-class college students can't get any aid at all because their parents income, although they may not be paying for their child's education, falls just barely above the cut-off for aide.
So, as we continue to pay even more for fuel and Ramen noodles, we will continue to advocate for our fellow students who are feeling the pinch of the poor economy.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other financial sources simply do not account for the average, middle-class college student. Quite simply, the system is based on the assumption that parents pay for college, which is often not the case.
In fact, the FASFA works against average citizens and is really only adequate for students who fall in either of the extreme social classes. The upper class can generally afford college expenses and the lower class is sometimes provided with multiple financial compensation opportunities.
Where does this leave the ones in the middle? It leaves them with limited financing options and higher interest rates.
The tax refunds further disappoint these broke college students because there are minimal refunds for those with financial aid. In addition, many middle-class college students can't get any aid at all because their parents income, although they may not be paying for their child's education, falls just barely above the cut-off for aide.
So, as we continue to pay even more for fuel and Ramen noodles, we will continue to advocate for our fellow students who are feeling the pinch of the poor economy.
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