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After high school years interrupted by COVID, students calculate the cost of college differently

May 25, 2023
This spring, there were 14.2 million undergraduates in the U.S., about 9% fewer than in spring 2019.
This spring, there were 9% fewer undergraduate students in the U.S. than there were in spring 2019.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images

College decision day announcements take on a life — and cost — of their own

Apr 27, 2023
The May 1 ritual can put pressure on students to make a choice before they have financial aid information, a college consultant says.
“A lot of times, you have to tell students, 'Divorce yourself from college signing day if that's what it takes to make the right decision for you,'" says Jennifer Jessie, a college consultant.
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How a college credit card signup led to $20,000 in debt

Apr 24, 2023
Yanely Espinal, host of Marketplace's podcast "Financially Inclined," tells the story of taking on a financial responsibility she wasn't prepared for.
"I sat down, added up all the credit card debt that I had," Yanely Espinal said. "And it was just over $20,000. That scared me half to death."
Martin Bernetti/AFP via Getty Images

If retirement isn't your thing just yet, what about ... college?

Mar 24, 2023
Some schools are creating college programs for adults who've finished one career — and may want to use their past experience to give back to their communities.
Students in CU Denver's Change Makers program during an evening class.
Nell Salzman

Why colleges may soon have more midcareer students

Chris Farrell discusses college programs that may portend a return to class for older workers, making the schools "centers for lifelong learning."
Pilot programs for experienced workers at Harvard, Notre Dame and the University of Texas at Austin offer a glimpse at the possible future of continuing education.
Jeff Pachoud/AFP via Getty Images

Millions of high schoolers don't fill out financial aid forms — and leave billions on the table

Jan 31, 2023
You can't get federal grants unless you fill out the FAFSA.
Billions of dollars in Pell Grant money went unused last year. At least seven states have made filling out the FAFSA a requirement for high school graduation.
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Most financial aid offers have a fuzzy bottom line, GAO reports

Dec 9, 2022
More than 90% of American colleges write offers without stating the net price. That makes it hard for prospective students to compare schools.
More than 90% of American colleges either don’t supply the final price in those letters or understate it, according to a report from the Government Accountability Office.
Andy Jacobsohn/AFP via Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Skilled trade programs are having a moment

Nov 8, 2022
College enrollment dropped significantly during the pandemic. One exception: skilled trade programs, which saw growth this year.
Jonathan Ellis says he chose a diesel and heavy equipment certificate "because when COVID happened, there weren't as many cars on the road, but the number of trucks on the road stayed the same.” Above, he replaces the brakes on a truck.
Stephanie Hughes/Marketplace

Pay to play: More HBCUs are being paid to take on powerhouse football teams

Oct 12, 2022
Some see this as a long-overdue opportunity. But are historically Black colleges and universities being paid enough?
The FAMU Marching 100 performs at the school's game against Chapel Hill on Aug. 27.
Mitchell Northam

“We are becoming extinct”: Women's colleges go coed to bring in students

Sep 27, 2022
Notre Dame of Maryland University made the decision to admit male undergraduates next fall to boost enrollment.
Freshmen Caitlin Cottrill, left, and Tatum Capinpin are considering transferring from Notre Dame of Maryland. The school announced earlier this month it’ll be accepting men next fall.
Stephanie Hughes/Marketplace