High school seniors are faced with the daunting challenge of selecting a college. The current economic downturn is altering their college choices. In many cities unemployment is over 5 percent and some parents cannot afford the colleges that students are selecting as their first choice. Colleges are affected too. Students are comparing their financial aid packages and going where the money leads them. Some college admission experts say that this may not be the best way to make a college choice.
Students are submitting multiple applications using websites like commonapp.com They want to know that they have options. It is not unusual for parents to take their students on an east coast college tour. The students and parents will visit five or six colleges to determine the one that is the best fit for their particular interest and financial circumstance. This can be an expensive venture if the colleges require airplane flights that are far distances. Some parents and students are making a decision to stay close to home. They can reduce the cost of travel and some of the living expenses that are increased when a student is studying at a college that is away from home.
» Read more: College Bound Students Affected by Economic Downturn