Paying for College 101

Today's tough economic times have begun to seriously affect the way parents and prospective college students approach the college application process. With higher education's price tag skyrocketing and household finances being stretched to the breaking point, paying for college is causing many a sleepless night.

Now, more than ever, pursuing a higher education is more than a luxury -- it is a necessity. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, adults with advanced degrees earn, on average, four times as much as those with less than a high school diploma. Workers 18 and older with a master's, professional or doctoral degree annually earned on average more than $82,000, while those with less than a high school diploma earned around $20,000 a year.

Even a bachelor's degree means a difference of $15,000-$20,000 a year. Not only is there earning potential, but between 2004 and 2014 the fastest percentage growth in new jobs will go to those with a bachelor's degree or other higher education.

It's simple, really. Going to college is a great investment especially during tough economic times.

This year a perfect storm of economic disturbances is cause for concern for many parents and students looking at the cost of higher education. Two-thirds of Americans, according to a recent survey, believe higher education is priced out of reach.

Last fall, costs associated with earning a college education rose 6.4 percent, and a recent report by the National Center on Public Policy and Higher Education found local college costs the average family as much as 55 percent of their income, up from 39 percent in 2000.

Financial aid and other options can often seem confusing or overwhelming for parents and prospective students. Doing research can also seem daunting, even though it is often the most valuable use of time. I want to make sure Nebraskans have access to the resources and information they need to make informed decisions about paying for college.

Join me as I host Paying for College 101, a free seminar designed to provide parents, students, and educators the latest information on financial aid for post-secondary education. The seminar will run from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (Central) on Saturday, February 21, in the Fonner Park Room of the Hall County Extension Office at College Park in Grand Island (3180 Highway 34 West).

Presentations will be made by EducationQuest Foundation, Nebraska College Savings Plan, Nebraska Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and the National Student Loan Program. My staff will also be available to answer any questions or to help put parents in touch with the appropriate institution.

Though there will be structured presentations, this is an open event. Come for as much or as little as you would like. Interested parties are encouraged to register by emailing to RSVPtoAdrian@mail.house.gov or contacting my Grand Island office at (308) 384-3900.

For a sneak peak at the agenda, just visit my site. Raising kids right can be tough, learning how to pay for college doesn't have to be.