The affordability factor.

• Author: Ridner, Adrian
• Position: Education

"... With a rising population of nontraditional students and a growing list of ways higher ed is not working, what can a student do to get the college education he or she deserves without drowning in debt?"

THERE are a number of factors plaguing traditional higher education that make it harder for students to graduate debt free. Skyrocketing tuition costs, overcrowding in schools, and lack of college readiness are making it difficult for students to stay in college, earn a debt-free degree, and obtain a career. College no longer is the immediate gateway to a high-paying job, nor is it an affordable option for many students today.

Part of the problem is the misconception that most college students have the same needs. Universities target the traditional student--an 18- to 22-year-old attending a four-year university right out of high school. The truth is that more than half of all college attendees now are considered "nontraditional students"--defined as those who either attend a two-year college program and/or go to school part time. As for age demographics, those are changing, too. One-third of college students are over 30.

Nontraditional students also are working while attending school. In fact, about 40% of undergraduates work at least 30 hours a week. So, how does a traditional four-year college or university cater to these students? As it turns out, not so well. These schools tend to accommodate the needs of traditional students who have flexible schedules and time to dedicate exclusively to school. Even though nontraditional students are the new normal, they deal with a higher ed system that does not take their scheduling needs into consideration.

You might be wondering why even attending college would be a good idea. Is getting a degree worth the huge time and money investment? The answer is yes. Those with a bachelor's degree earn about $1,200,000 more in lifetime income than those without a degree. Investing in your career now really can pay off in the future. Plus, most higher-paying jobs require an employee to have a bachelor's degree before considering him or her for any position, regardless of experience. Being able to upskill is a requirement for employees wanting to climb the career ladder, and getting a degree plays a huge role in career success.

So, with a rising population of nontraditional students and a growing list of ways higher ed is not working, what can a student do to get the college education he or she deserves...