NY Times reports: Well-Regarded Public Colleges Get a Surge of Bargain Hunters

One week before the second offering of the SAT Test (March 14), many of us are starting to feel the pressure of college looming in the not too distant future. During this time of economic woe, we must remember that the value of higher education is more important then ever. In a market where for every open job spot there are at least ten qualified applicants, it is important to keep ahead of the game. For parents, it is important to give your child the best collegiate education, without breaking the bank.

The New York Times recently wrote an article about the recent surge in state university applications and examines the admission numbers of many different state schools across the country. The less expensive state colleges, in every geographic region of the United States, seem to be noticing similarities in their admission trends. The number of applications being received are arriving in record numbers. In addition, more often then not, top high school candidates are saying 'yes' to acceptance letters from state schools, instead of holding out for more ivy league institutions. Experts believe that the "unraveling economy is making less expensive state colleges more appealing".

The Times reports:

"The application deadline is not until April 1, but officials here conservatively predict 15,500 students competing for 1,100 spots, a 12 percent jump over last year....Similar surges are occurring at public colleges and universities across the country, education experts say..... A poll by the center in December showed that people’s anxiety about paying for college is almost at an unprecedented high...."We’re not sure how they will respond, but we’re pretty sure they won’t respond by deciding not to go,” he added. “Middle class families understand that you’re going to be consigned to the minimum-wage economy if you don’t get some higher education or training"...So the admissions office is playing it safe. With more than 4,000 students already accepted, hundreds of qualified students who previously would have gotten fat envelopes are instead being added to a waiting list."

What does this mean for juniors and seniors who are relying on state schools and the cost of state tuition? It means that students and parents need to ensure their acceptance spot in any college, no matter where they decide to apply to. With the rising level of minority students and higher interests in post high school education in order to better compete in a failing economic market, the arena, once again, has become even more competitive.