Winter is Coming...For Your Wallet: College Costs Soar as Dragon Queen Laments Financial Aid Cuts

A Storm of Swords...And Student Loans

My loyal subjects Daenerys Stormborn of the House Targaryen First of Her Name Queen of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea Breaker of Chains and Mother of Dragons addresses you with grave tidings. Just as winter threatens Westeros a financial ice age looms over the realm of higher education. The cost of attending these hallowed halls is soaring faster than Drogon on a rampage. It seems 'fire and blood' now refers to the burning hole in your coin purse!

The Iron Bank Cometh...For Your Tuition

Since 1983 tuition has risen by an average of 5.6% each year outpacing even the cost of feeding my dragons...and you KNOW how much they eat. A recent raven (disguised as a J.P. Morgan Asset Management study) revealed this alarming trend. For the upcoming year attending a four year private college will set you back a staggering $58,600. Public colleges while slightly less terrifying still demand nearly $25,000. Is this the price of knowledge or highway robbery by the Iron Bank?

A Lannister Always Pays His Debts...Except Student Loans?

And what is this I hear of reducing financial aid? The Trump administration (whoever THEY are) proposes slashing Pell Grants which would devastate the hopes of many aspiring scholars. To reduce the Pell Grant which is supposed to HELP students go to college? These cuts are said to fund tax cuts and spending bill for Republicans in the U.S. Congress. It seems some believe knowledge is a privilege not a right. 'When you play the Game of Thrones you win or you die'. When you play the game of College you pay or you cry.

Hope Floats Like a Feather in the Wind (Unless You're Drowning in Debt)

Fear not dear subjects for there is still hope! Some institutions bless their generous hearts are offering substantial financial aid packages. The Princeton Review (not to be confused with the Citadel's dusty archives) has compiled a list of these beacons of generosity. Remember 'it's really not what colleges are charging that matters it is what actual students and families are paying after scholarships and grants are deducted'. Grants they say are 'the magic word' far more enchanting than any Valyrian spell.

The Mother of Dragons' Guide to Surviving College (Without Selling Your Soul)

Focus on grants not loans! A loan is a debt to be paid grants as Franek said is 'the magic word.' And what is dead may never die (except your dreams if you're saddled with debt). Consider public colleges. They might not have dragons (trust me I checked) but they offer a more affordable path. Location matters. North Carolina and Florida offer incredible options. Explore every avenue for financial aid from scholarships to work study programs. Remember knowledge is power and with a little cunning you can claim it without bankrupting your family.

Valar Morghulis...Valar Dougharis

So my loyal subjects let us face this financial onslaught with the courage of a Dothraki horde. Arm yourselves with knowledge seek out those generous institutions and remember: 'I will do what queens do. I will rule.' You too can rule your financial destiny and emerge victorious from the Game of Loans. Now if you'll excuse me I have dragons to feed...and perhaps a few tuition bills to incinerate. Dracarys!