Empowerment, not entitlement, is the answer
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Editor,
To Peregine Frissell’s question, “Saddling the majority of young people with massive debt is no way to build an economy or a strong society – do I disagree?” I have this response: It’s a student’s choice to select education options that require heavy debt. Aggressive marketing of guaranteed loans tempts students to load up on debt. These loans still accrue interest and must be carefully evaluated.
There are options to taking on overburdening college debt:
• Pell Grants are still available, although they are somewhat reduced;
• Some scholarships go un-redeemed; students are not applying for all available scholarships;
• Students can attend community college or Salish Kootenai College for credits at relatively low cost;
• Scholarships are available beyond a student’s first year in college. Check into those options.
Three of my four children have graduated from Montana universities; one chose higher-priced Carroll. She is now living frugally, works four days a week and will finish at University of Montana. She will graduate with manageable college debt.
The final point I’ll reiterate is that the $18,600 figure for a year at UM includes $7,500 for room and board and $4,440 for personal expenses. Claiming these two add-ons are part of the “cost of college” tips the argument. Compare living and personal expenses of an off-campus lifestyle, which includes all the same services in UM’s package figure. You may discover that the net cost for a year of college at $5,775 plus $950 for books and supplies is not insurmountable for a motivated person.
Please know I understand the challenges you face. Attending out-of-state multiplies your costs. But college education is available without “saddling the majority of young people with massive debt.” The best way to build an economy and a strong society is to empower young people with a sense of pride and accomplishment, rather than entitlement.
Carmine Mowbray
Senate District 6
Polson
