Bears. Beets. Bachelor's Degrees: College Costs Force Students to Make Tough Choices

The Bianco Bonanza: A Tale of Two Universities

As Assistant Regional Manager (in training) I Dwight K. Schrute understand the importance of making informed decisions especially when it comes to finances. Take Ethan Bianco for example. This young whippersnapper a mere 17 years of age had the audacity to wait until the very last minute – May 1st mind you! – to decide on a college. He had offers from Vanderbilt a fancy private school and UT Austin a state school. It was a battle of prestige versus practicality much like choosing between a beet fed pony and a sensible mule. Ultimately UT's 'award package' won out proving that even the most promising beets need a fertile financial field to grow.

Vanderbilt vs. UT Austin: The Duel

Vanderbilt with its promises to meet 100% of a family's demonstrated need initially offered Bianco $35,000 in aid. But even with that it would've cost his family an extra $40,000 per year. Forty. Thousand. Dollars. That's enough to buy a beet farm… almost. But like a beet cleverly dodging a hungry badger Bianco appealed the decision and found additional private scholarships finally committing to Vanderbilt. Smart but not as smart as Mose harvesting beets under the moonlight.

The Public vs. Private School Showdown

Robert Franek some fancy pants editor at The Princeton Review says more students are choosing public schools over private ones. Shocking! It's currently 73% but he predicts it'll go up. He blames the rising cost of college and student loans. Listen up students! Education is important but so is fiscal responsibility. As I always say 'Whenever I'm about to do something I think 'Would an idiot do that?' And if they would I do not do that thing.'

Money Talks College Walks: The Rise of the Budget Conscious Student

According to some reports financial concerns outweigh even academics for 8 out of 10 families. Madness! But understandable madness. Chris Ebeling from Citizens Financial Group (not to be confused with the Schrute Family Financial Empire) emphasizes that cost is 'equally important' to academics and extracurriculars. And he is absolutely right! Choose wisely young ones. Choose wisely like choosing the perfect beet for maximum sugar content.

Commuting Crusaders and the University of Houston Downtown

Carlos Marin another Houston senior opted for the University of Houston Downtown because it was closer to home. He plans to live with his family to save money. A true testament to the power of family and the even greater power of saving a buck! Commuting is a sacrifice yes but it's a sacrifice worthy of a volunteer sheriff's deputy.

The Great Student Debt Burden: A Looming Threat

College costs are rising faster than the interest in my beet farm at a Pennsylvania Dutch convention! Families are shouldering more of the burden and students are borrowing more and more. Total outstanding student debt is over $1.6 TRILLION! That's enough to buy a lifetime supply of beets and still have enough left over to purchase Dunder Mifflin. Bianco bless his soul is wary of student loans calling them a 'burden that is too much to bear.' Well said my friend! Student loans can be a trap much like a poorly designed bear trap (which I of course would never create). Remember 'Identity theft is not a joke Jim! Millions of families suffer every year!'