So you don't want to give a "free ride" to lazy students huh, well consider this: your tax money pays for someone to go to school to become a tax paying contributor or your tax money pays for someones welfare. That's what it boils down to. And to say pay for it like your grandparents did, well what happens when they are first generation college students, like the vast majority of Pell recipients? These are kids (and adults returning to school) that were raised in poor households, their parents make no money or they are already on welfare and these grants are a way to break that cycle of poverty in these households.
Kathyof CA8:37PM August 21, 2011
This is an okay article but it doesn't fit everyone. FAFSA should be filled out first before loans are considered -- and unfortunately there are those who don't qualify for FAFSA. Next, apply for scholarships especially those offered by the school -- if the school broadcasts scholarship opportunities like they do their encouragement to enroll here, then you will be in the loop however not all schools do this. Also, Work-Study is a great opportunity to work while in school since the work schedule is arranged around the students' class schedule. Loans should be a last resort. Savings plans are okay however there are emergencies that might pop up or fees that come out of nowhere that make keeping up with a savings plan stressful. Based on the title of the article I was hoping to gain additional information on handling school costs but all I got from this was a repeat if what I already know.
Topazof SC6:44PM August 10, 2011
No Free Ride - what on earth are you talking about? Grants are funded by taxpayer money, but programs like the Stafford loan are *loans* - the student himself (or herself) pays all that money back to the government at up to 6.8% interest. Almost all people who go to school for free are getting money from the school's endowments. How do you not know this? Did you matriculate from the University of Phoenix?
tkof PA2:31PM July 16, 2011
Samuel, did you even read the "No Free Ride" post? Sounds like you're ranting about something completely different.
Jeffof NC6:46AM July 15, 2011
Most people that start political arguments off with, "as a taxpaying citizen," have their education capped at knowing that they are in fact a tax paying citizen. I'm sure uncle Jim Bob agrees with you between his sips of moonshine. I even bet cousin sue will throw you a reassuring nod when she isn't too busy serving as your weak attempt at female companionship. In a perfect world, you would be right. Our school systems would be in such a condition that to fail in school would mean that you were given the best oppurtunities to learn and simply did not have the potential to do so. However, this perfect world will never exist until people like NO Free Ride are extinct. You're living in a darwinistic stoneage, Barney. Yabba Dabba Dumbass.
Samuel Sigmonof NC3:27AM July 15, 2011
I think these are definitely dark times.
Jof AZ12:18AM July 15, 2011
This article was worthless, but as a tax paying citizen I have no desire to pay a lazy kid's way through college, many of which drop out their first year. I am however willing to invest in our future with students who have the potential and drive to contribute to society.
I have an idea, study and make good grades in high school so you qualify for subsidizing grants and loans (there are plenty out there!) rather than sit on your glut (why would I want to give you free education if you couldn't even make the grade in high school?), then work your way through college for the rest like your grandparents did.
No free rides.
Nothing of ANY value is free.
K Rivasof CA10:37AM July 14, 2011
MAN THIS COUNTRY MAKE IT SO HARD FOR A KID TO GET A HIGHER ED... 21 CENTURY ITS TIME FOR FREE EDUCATION WE ARE IN THE DARKNESS.
FREE MY EDUCATIONof FL8:19PM July 12, 2011
I agree!!!!!!!!!
Ireneof CT8:25PM July 09, 2011
The G.I. Bill was probably great if you were in during the 80s or 90s. But now? Sorry, I don't want to die in one of our needless wars/occupations. It's more or less blood money.
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Kathy of CA 8:37PM August 21, 2011
Topaz of SC 6:44PM August 10, 2011
tk of PA 2:31PM July 16, 2011
Jeff of NC 6:46AM July 15, 2011
Samuel Sigmon of NC 3:27AM July 15, 2011
J of AZ 12:18AM July 15, 2011
K Rivas of CA 10:37AM July 14, 2011
FREE MY EDUCATION of FL 8:19PM July 12, 2011
Irene of CT 8:25PM July 09, 2011
Michael of TX 10:48AM July 08, 2011