Rising college costs push students to tech schools
By Tim Grant, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
While most high school students still plan to go the traditional route of attending four-year colleges and universities when they consider educational options after graduation, a significant number say they are open to the idea of attending community colleges and technical schools
The Washington, D.C.-based College Savings Foundation’s fifth annual “How Youth Plan to Fund College” survey of high school students across the country found many are broadening their perception of what higher education means. One-in-five, or 21 percent, said they think of vocational or career schools in the same way they think of public or private college.
Prior surveys did not ask that question so there is no way to compare past attitudes toward community college and vocational schools.
Cost continues to be a hot topic for families and students — a reality reinforced when President Obama issued an executive order attempting to ease loan-related stresses many face following graduation from college or other post-high school educational programs.