Gregory Freeman: High Cost Of Education Limits Access. P-D 1/5/1992

Headline: HIGH COST OF EDUCATION LIMITS ACCESS
Reporter: By Gregory Freeman

Publication: ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
Last Printed: Sun., Jan. 5, 1992
Section: NEWS, Page: 4E, Edition: LATE FIVE STAR

''To meet America's growing needs, we must set two goals: A new standard of excellence in education, and the availability of such excellence to all who are willing and able to pursue it.'' - John F. Kennedy

SOME 31 YEARS AGO, President Kennedy used those words in calling on Americans to place a greater emphasis on education than ever before.
Education was very important, he told us, as we fought to get ahead of the the Soviets in various areas. Higher education should be available to anyone who wanted it, Kennedy said.
Public service spots in the 1960s told us, ''To get a good job, get a good education.''

In my own household, the president's comments were taken to heart. It was always expected that my sister and I would go to college to become successful adults. Our parents - a postal clerk and a schoolteacher - expected us to do well in college and to eventually be able to live a life with a higher standard of living than they had.

But today, more than one poll has indicated, Americans are much more pessimistic than ever about their children's higher education and are discouraged about their children's prospects of having a higher standard of living.
The cost of education today has more and more parents wondering aloud how they will be able to send their youngsters to college. With tuition at some colleges getting close to the $20,000 a year mark, more parents are spending years worrying. College scholarships don't appear to be as readily available as they once were, and financial aid offices seem to be tightening their purse strings. More students are resorting to student loans, but worry about being saddled with more than $80,000 worth of loans before they've even landed their first job.

More students are choosing state colleges as a way of holding down costs. And because of the increasing number of people attending state schools, it might be normal to assume that most states are spending more money on higher education.
But if you were to assume that, you'd be mistaken: 26 states have reported budget cuts in education.

Because of the soaring costs of higher education - and the seemingly smaller numbers of alternatives to counter those costs - it is more difficult today than perhaps at any other time in recent memory for those without significant amounts of money to go to college. Higher education is quickly eluding the financial reach of middle-income families.
Numerous studies say the same thing: It is urgent that school dropout rates be reduced and important that financial aid programs be increased.

America rarely looks to other nations for examples, but perhaps now is the time for the United States to consider how Mexico handles education.
There, almost anyone who wants to go to college can attend. Those with money can pay tuition for their education. But those without money can also go to college by pledging a certain amount of public service to the government. If a Mexican wants to go to college to study to become a doctor, for instance, that person can do so, and later give a certain amount of time to the government when that person is out of school.
While some critics might scoff at such an idea being carried out here, the system does make sure that education is something that is not just for a select few. Interestingly, a system such as Mexico's is being proposed by Democratic presidential candidate Bill Clinton.

Mexico's example may not be the perfect one.
But if one thing should be clear, it is that innovative ways are needed to make sure that those who want to attend college can do so. We can't just sit idly by and let the education of Americans erode because it has become too costly.
A closer look must be given to ways that will allow more people to attend the college of their dreams, limited only by their ability, not by their bank accounts.

In 1961, the president of the United States insisted that America make education available ''to all who are willing and able to pursue it.'' Our governmental leaders today must make sure that Kennedy's vision not become a pipe dream.
At a time when America needs more educated citizens to better compete internationally, our government must see to it that education once again becomes a top priority. Continued failure to recognize this problem and vigorously attack it is to invite increased deterioration of America.

Daniel Schesch - Webweaver

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