Education represent one the most efficacious opportunities for individuals arriving from modest means to surpass their less than stellar beginnings. In fact, acquiring a bachelor’s degree has been seen to nullify many of the negative affects that growing up underprivileged creates (Torche, 2011). So, it stands that an individuals looking to journey past adverse beginnings, ought to begin their journey through university halls. Additionally, any government that seeks equitable opportunity for all ought to support the efforts of the marginalized. That said, young adults who have grown up within the foster care system, are one of those marginalized groups. This article seeks to explore the availability of financial aid opportunities specifically
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For example, The Annie E. Casey Foundation found that in 2012, only fifty percent of foster youth graduated from high school by the age of 18 (Foster Care to Success, 2014). Additionally, the percentage of foster youth who attain a bachelor’s degree ranges from two to nine percent. Conversely, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, the national average for bachelor’s degree attainment is approximately twenty-eight percent (National Center for Education Statistics, 2014). These numbers suggest a large outcome disparity based upon entrance into the state foster care system. Restated, individuals who grow up within the foster care system have reduced higher educational attainment …show more content…
There are multitudes of factors that affect an individual’s ability to pursue a bachelor’s degree. That said, this article focuses on the financial commitment that is required during the pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, annual cost for undergraduate tuition, room and board cost an average of $15,0222 at public universities (National Center for Education Statistics, 2014). The total cost for a four-year degree, according to NCES is $60,088. There exists a general assumption that college is worth the cost. College is viewed as an investment in personal human capital; Increasing the individual’s employment attractiveness and possible future income. In fact, Joan M. Merdinger et al. estimate that attainment of a bachelor’s degree increases an individuals income possibilities by thirty-eight percent compared to individuals with only a high school diploma (Merdinger, Hines, Lemon, & Wyatt, 2005). College is a worthwhile investment because it increases future opportunities. However, the monetary investment can be insurmountable for underprivileged groups. If one cannot afford the college investment, then one cannot take advantage of the benefits of that investment. As mentioned above, there are many variables that affect an individual’s ability to obtain a college degree, but the most foundational is that of financing the education. If an individual cannot find a
For example, The Annie E. Casey Foundation found that in 2012, only fifty percent of foster youth graduated from high school by the age of 18 (Foster Care to Success, 2014). Additionally, the percentage of foster youth who attain a bachelor’s degree ranges from two to nine percent. Conversely, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, the national average for bachelor’s degree attainment is approximately twenty-eight percent (National Center for Education Statistics, 2014). These numbers suggest a large outcome disparity based upon entrance into the state foster care system. Restated, individuals who grow up within the foster care system have reduced higher educational attainment …show more content…
There are multitudes of factors that affect an individual’s ability to pursue a bachelor’s degree. That said, this article focuses on the financial commitment that is required during the pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, annual cost for undergraduate tuition, room and board cost an average of $15,0222 at public universities (National Center for Education Statistics, 2014). The total cost for a four-year degree, according to NCES is $60,088. There exists a general assumption that college is worth the cost. College is viewed as an investment in personal human capital; Increasing the individual’s employment attractiveness and possible future income. In fact, Joan M. Merdinger et al. estimate that attainment of a bachelor’s degree increases an individuals income possibilities by thirty-eight percent compared to individuals with only a high school diploma (Merdinger, Hines, Lemon, & Wyatt, 2005). College is a worthwhile investment because it increases future opportunities. However, the monetary investment can be insurmountable for underprivileged groups. If one cannot afford the college investment, then one cannot take advantage of the benefits of that investment. As mentioned above, there are many variables that affect an individual’s ability to obtain a college degree, but the most foundational is that of financing the education. If an individual cannot find a