It seems only people getting raises is govt. employees. Most of the private sector is not getting raises, so we are paying for govt. to live great, have fantastic benefits, holidays etc while a majority of private sector gets zip.
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With cuts in state support, we are contributing thru student loans that caused the extremely expensive rise in the cost of a college education over the last few decades.
Back in the early nineties you could take a full load (approx. 18 hours) for around $700-$800. I don't remember ever paying more than a grand for tuition, fees, and books (used) combined. At that time, one could easily work part time and pay for college out of pocket and be a debt free graduate.
From what I've heard, going to UNA today is 5-6X more today than 20 years ago. A lot of the degrees you can get aren't worth the expense/debt.
In the late sixties, I worked part time at McDonalds during the school year and full time during the summer. I stayed at home and my dad provided an old car and paid the insurance. I paid all my college expenses, gas, meals away from home, all my spending money and put some away in the bank. In 1969 joined the Army and return to the Shoals area in early 1972. Used the GI bill and worked again at McDonalds for a summer and two semester, Bought an old car, stayed with my parents, but met all my expenses. Finished my MBA and was offered a position in Atlanta. Left college with only a $2,000 debt for a 2-year old car and about $1,200 in pocket. Gas was $.35 per gallon and Days Inn was $8.88 a day. The cost of an education has gone up much more than simple inflation. I'm glad I didn't have to go today.
I agree - UNA is beginning to think they are Alabama / Auburn and keep raising the tuition in that general direction. Its ridiculous what it costs to get an education today. Now, more and more universities are requiring freshman students live on campus - even if they are local. When asked why, its to help students acclimate to college life and give them 'structure.' I call BS, its to get them out of Mommy and Daddys house and used to living on their own on campus. That way they can sell them meal plans and keep them spending their mommy and daddys money.
And dont, for one second, think the lottery will save us all and provide 'free' education. I have family in TN that are going through that now - the Universities see those dollar signs and the tuition continues to skyrocket while the lottery money available get capped. Eventually, it takes lottery money and student loans.
Like the housing bubble, we are headed for an education bubble. The idea that everyone is owed an education is artificially driving up demand and thus tuition. Everyone deserves a chance to earn an education - key word being earn. Academically and financially. If you cant afford it, keep your nose clean and join the service, then use GI Bill to attend a college. I know for a fact that, when its your money, you tend to spend it more wisely by choosing a college based on what you want to do with your life instead of what you want to do while in college....
The services will help one focus on the job, as well. Before my army time, i was a good student, but enjoyed college life, as well. After the Army, i was focused like a laser on my MBA and career.
I suspect that eventually, college loans will be rationed. Majors and grades will be reviewed regularly. If one isn't taking a major that will result in a job in a needed well paying field or skill and keeping one's grades up, the loans will be denied.
too many lazy professors.
Originally Posted by direstraits:
In the late sixties, I worked part time at McDonalds during the school year and full time during the summer. I stayed at home and my dad provided an old car and paid the insurance. I paid all my college expenses, gas, meals away from home, all my spending money and put some away in the bank. In 1969 joined the Army and return to the Shoals area in early 1972. Used the GI bill and worked again at McDonalds for a summer and two semester, Bought an old car, stayed with my parents, but met all my expenses. Finished my MBA and was offered a position in Atlanta. Left college with only a $2,000 debt for a 2-year old car and about $1,200 in pocket. Gas was $.35 per gallon and Days Inn was $8.88 a day. The cost of an education has gone up much more than simple inflation. I'm glad I didn't have to go today.
Same work ethic worked for me from 89 to 99, it is about prioritizing what you want. The only difference is I worked full time while I went to school and paid for my flight training.
More like too many Liberal professors.
I've told this before, but I attended UNA - my major was a really structured program, you had certain classes you took in a certain order. One of the classes was only offered at night and I worked evenings Monday through Friday at a good part time job (Im still with that company, in fact, was promoted after I graduated). The job actually paid for my books and part of my tuition.
When I requested permission to take the class at Shoals CC, I had to explain why. Believe it or not, the Instructor and the Dean of my college at the time BOTH asked me what was more important, my job or my education. They tried to force me to quit my job, saying student loans were available if I needed them, so I could take the class at UNA. I had to go above the Dean of the college at the time and appeal to UNA.
BTW - this was my third year at UNA after being in the service for nearly 6 years. I didnt take to kindly to being bullied by professors and staff.....
James T,
After military service, one tends to not suffer fools and bullies lightly.