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A Look at the U.S. College System
With the rising cost of getting a college degree, many people think that pursuing a post-secondary degree is out of reach. However, when it comes to earning a degree, the total cost of that degree is often dependent on where you attend college. Since 1970, the numbers of boys and girls attending college has also risen steadily.
Percentage of 12th-Graders Planning on Attending College
Despite rising college costs, more people are attending college than a generation ago. Statistics gathered in 1982 and 2004 indicate an overall increase in college attendance, regardless of the income level of the student‘s family:
Ÿ In 1982, 10% of 12th-graders from low-income families had plans to attend college. In 2004, that number rose to 29%.
Ÿ In 1982, 19% of seniors from moderate-income families had plans to attend college. By 2004, that number rose to 36%.
Ÿ In 1982, 31% of 12th-graders from high-income families had plans to attend college. That percentage rose to 33% by 2004.
There have also been significant rises in the numbers of high school seniors who plan to attend graduate or professional school:
Ÿ In 1982, 6% of seniors from low-income families had plans to attend graduate or professional school. That percentage jumped to 22% by 2004.
Ÿ In 1982, 13% of high school seniors from moderate-income families had plans to attend graduate or professional school. By 2004, that number had risen to 31%.
Ÿ In 1982, 33% of 12th-graders from high-income families had plans to attend graduate or professional school. By 2004, 53% of high school seniors from affluent families had plans to attend graduate or professional school.
The numbers of colleges available varies greatly by state. California is the nation’s leader in the number of colleges at 416, while Alaska has the fewest number of colleges at 7.
Tuition Costs by State for an Average Four-Year College
Nationwide, the least expensive states to earn college degrees are Idaho and Utah, with average tuition costs ranging from $4,000 — $8,500 yearly. Massachusetts has the highest yearly tuition, ranging from $22,000 — $26,000 a year.
Here is a list of states and their average tuition costs:
$4,000-$8,500: Idaho, Utah
$8,500-$13,00: Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Michigan, Hawaii
$13,000-$17,500: Texas, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia
$17,500-$22,000: Washington, Oregon, California, Colorado, Louisiana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Washington, DC, Delaware, Maryland
$22,000-$26,000: Massachusetts
The national yearly average for private tuition, however, is $20,000, while public four-year tuition fees average an estimated $4,695.
College Enrollment Trends
In 1970, 48% of girls entered college as soon as they graduated high school while 55% of boys entered college. By 2007, those numbers jumped to 68% for girls and 66% for boys. When compared to the pie chart above, the highest college enrollment, however, is led by individuals in the 30+ age range.
Over the years, the largest groups of college students have been Caucasian, followed by Asian/Pacific Islander. Black students make up the third largest group; however, their numbers were about equal with Asian/Pacific Islander students around 2004. Hispanic students have remained the fourth largest group to attend college over the years.
Despite the nationwide cuts in educational budgets, it seems that students are still filling seats at post-secondary institutions. As the Obama Administration continues to make changes in financial aid packages, more opportunities will open for more students who want to earn a college degree.
