College Tuition Rates Increasingly Out Of Reach For Low-Income Families

Written for kvia.com by Anchor/Reporter Stephanie Valle

EL PASO, TX — A new study shows that the cost of college is increasing at a much higher rate than the average median income of American families.

The National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education found that college tuition and fees increased 439% from 1982 to 2007, whereas the median family income rose 147% in the same timeframe.

The study, published earlier this week, compared the net cost of a university to the average family income. The findings show the cost of a public college or a private university takes up anywhere from 28-76% percent of the family income.

Students at Riverside High School who attended College Week in the school gym Wednesday morning were concerned about getting scholarships to pay for school.

Senior Peter Carreon is not sure where he will attend college, but he looking at West Point. However, Carreon says how he will pay for it will likely determine his educational future.

“No college is free,” Carreon said.

“So hopefully I get a good offer and take that free ride.”