Latest college report card makes MCC even more attractive

Nebraskans are committed to education. The majority of our property tax bill goes toward maintaining public schools.

Almost a third of us, 29 percent, ages 25 to 65, hold bachelors degrees or higher, compared to 23 percent of us 14 years ago.

But that dream of higher education and all the benefits it brings are becoming more and more expensive, according to the National Center for Public Policy in Higher Education.

A report released Thursday reveals that the average Nebraska undergraduate borrows $3,447 a year, up from $2,665 in 1992. On average, Nebraska families are putting 27 percent of their annual incomes into college educations, compared to 17 percent in 1992.

It's even tougher for minorities, with only 24 percent of nonwhites age 18 to 24 enrolled in college, compared to 40 percent of whites. Students from affluent families are twice as likely to be enrolled in college as from low-income families.

That all adds up to an "F" for college affordability, according to the study, with Nebraska joining 42 other states in that rating.

University of Nebraska regent Charles Wilson points out that Nebraska's tuition and fees are comparable with its peers, but NU President J.B. Milliken admits there's work to do in improving the college system's affordability.

But they've got a long way to go to match the affordability of the community college system.

According to their Web sites, a resident undergraduate credit hour at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln or Med Center will cost you $151, an hour at UNO $131.75 and $122.25 at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

That compares to $59 for in-state tuition at McCook Community College and other Mid-Plains Community College campuses. Even with a $10 per credit hour general purpose fee, it's still quite a bargain.

And, Mid-Plains is working to make college even more affordable, opening residence halls to students taking a minimum of nine credit hours, provided no full-time student wants the room.

Students who have jobs, or live too far away to return home over winter and summer breaks, will now be able to stay in the dorms for an extra fee.

"We hope the changes will be beneficial in making the college experience less stressful for students who are struggling with exorbitant housing and commuting expenses," college spokesman Chuck Salestrom said.

For some students, having an affordable room available might mean the difference between being able to attend college or not.