What’s the latest in the world of higher education?

$10,000 Tax Credit for Higher Education- In President Obama’s first State of the Union address he talked about his agenda in making higher education more affordable.  To make higher education a reality for many, a $10,000 higher-education tax credit for families may be part of their payment plan.  For those with existing student loans, debt forgiveness may be a possibility for people who have been repaying their college loans for at least 20 years.

Biggest Worry for College Freshman?- Approximately 2/3 of freshmen said they were either somewhat or very worried about their ability to finance their college educations. About 55% said they had “some” concerns about money and 11% indicated they had “major” concerns about paying for college.   

The survey was conducted by the Higher Education Research Institute at the University of California at Los Angeles.  The survey is called “The American Freshman: National Norms Fall 2009”.  This report has been in existence for 44 years and provides institutions with information about the demographic profile, perceptions, and mind-set of their incoming freshmen classes.  For more information on the survey, go to http://www.heri.ucla.edu/

Why Do Students Drop Out?- Seventy-one percent of those surveyed who had quit college said that work was a factor in the decision, and more than half said it was a major factor. About 35 percent of those who dropped out said they had tried to balance work and study, and found it too stressful.

A report was produced by Public Agenda, a nonpartisan nonprofit research group, with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.  More information can be found at the following link- http://www.publicagenda.org/theirwholelivesaheadofthem

Part Time Students account for close to 40 percent of undergraduates in the country—and those who have to work generally do not do as well as their full time counterparts.

Tags: American Opportunity Tax Credit, College Freshman, Dropping out of college, Graduating College, President Obama, State of the Union and education, Tax Credit for Education, Ways to pay for college