Answering 3 claims about college affordability

The cost of college in America has hit the point of insanity. Even though many colleges have introduced tuition freezes during COVID, it has done little to absorb the shock of outlandish tuition prices. Students graduating from private colleges are graduating with $50,000, $80,000, and, in some cases, more than $100,000 of debt.  

The marked increase in tuition, fees, room, and board is starting to shift the perspective of potential college students. Gen Z has been particularly skeptical of the cost/benefit ratio of college. They have noted, I think rightly so, that what they spend for college and what they get out of the experience isn’t commensurate. That’s right, I’m a college administrator who thinks that in many situations, college simply isn’t worth the expense. Doesn’t it make more sense to just start working after high school since many skills are learned on the job anyway? Sometimes. It depends on why you are going to college in the first place. If your only goal in attending college is to get a better-paying job, you might be better just looking for jobs in the field you want to enter.   

However, if your purpose in attending college is to increase your critical thinking, to have a more biblical lens to see the world, and to carve out a dedicated time in your life to the diligent study of God’s Word, then college (especially Bible a college ;) is a great option.  

In talking to many prospective students and their parents over the years, one of their big questions has to do with the cost of attendance. I have collected the three most common claims I have heard from prospective students and parents regarding the cost of college and have responded to each.     

Claim 1: “I think I should go to community college for a few years before transferring because community college costs a lot less.”  

In many situations, community colleges can be a good option. Some students are not quite ready to perform at a collegiate level right out of high school. A year in community college can strengthen a student’s college preparedness.   

However, deciding to go to community college out of high school simply for financial reasons should be evaluated. Some students expect financial aid through programs like Pell Grant (students don't have to pay back Pell Grant, it's free money to help you attend college). However, you only have so many years of eligibility before you can't access those funds. Deciding to attend the school you plan to graduate from can help you maximize those funds.   

Secondly, many students who plan to transfer to four-year schools attend community college to focus on general education classes with the hope of transferring those classes. Sometimes that works. Other times, students finish two years of community college and only transfer a portion of their courses because the receiving school didn't have related courses. The best option for those attending community college and who want to transfer is to speak with the receiving college's registrar about which courses can transfer.   

Thirdly, students often assume that a four-year college will be much more expensive than a community college (sometimes they're right). At The Institute for G.O.D., we have implemented many cost-saving measures for students, including scholarships, flexible classes to open more work availability, and block-rate tuition that allows full-time students to take more classes without paying more.   

Even with those cost savings measures, students might pay more at The Institute than at community college. Still, the students' services are not comparable. At The Institute, we partner every Freshman and Sophomore with a mentor who the student can go to any time. Students are part of vibrant community life. They have people who pray with them daily and are concerned about their maturation as a whole person. Students get to know their professors outside the classroom. All full-time professors live within walking distance of the campus and regularly have students over for meals and study times. Professors participate in intramural sports, international mission trips, and community service projects with students. So, even though you might pay more for The Institute than a community college, you are also receiving much more.   

Claim #2: I think it’s wisest to go to the place that offers the most financial aid.  

As mentioned above, cost should be a factor that students consider when attending college. However, it's essential to look at what you are paying overall and not just what you are awarded in scholarships. If college costs $100,000 a year and gives you $20,000 in scholarships, you are still paying $80,000! Yes, it's a significant scholarship amount. Still, you should consider the total amount you will have to pay out of pocket.    

Also, some scholarships follow the student and are not tied to the school. If you are coming from high school, you should be actively looking for scholarships. In many situations, you can be awarded scholarships by your church or employer. This is an excellent way of bringing down costs that still allow you to attend the college you feel the Lord is leading you to.             

Claim #3: I got a full-ride to “John Doe” College, I want to study the Bible but that’s an opportunity I can’t pass up.  

There's no doubt that a full college scholarship is alluring. Many students worked hard in high school to get as much money as possible from their college of choice. Being offered a full scholarship feels like a validation of that effort. However, if I had one piece of advice, it would be this, "don't let money be the loudest voice in life." Jesus tells us to choose who we will serve – God or money (Mt. 6:24). When you let money be the main factor in deciding where you should go to college, then money is what you serve. Instead, take time and pray. Ask the Lord for his guidance.   

I'll leave you with this. One of our current students had a full scholarship to a state school, and she gave it up because she felt that the Lord was calling her to study the Bible. She said, "I knew I had been called to serve God and learn his Word. Was I going to be like the rich man who walked away from Jesus because he couldn't give up his possessions? Was I going to hold onto my own life, my full-ride scholarship, and turn down living for Christ? I couldn't. I had to say yes to him and let it go. My life isn't my own."