As the cost of an institution of higher learning continues to rise, many experts are predicting that the trend in higher education costs will continue to take a foothold in the future. Although there is no obvious sign that the costs of education are about to start rising dramatically, it’s important to recognize the fact that something always comes around and catches people’s eyes first. Now is the time to recognize these trends and prepare for them before they happen, or for when they’ve taken root.
A trend that is beginning: To emerge is the increase of tuitions, and the corresponding increase in student debt. Tuition hikes are often started by colleges looking to fill a need, and then expanded later as the need arises. If you have been thinking about getting a college degree, now might be the time to start looking at your options. There are some very good deals on the market right now.
Another trend: That is appearing is that of increased administrative costs. This trend is due to the fact that colleges are trying to keep up with the trend in higher education costs and because they must expand their infrastructure in order to support all of the additional students. When you factor in all of the added expenses like lab fees, library fees, government mandates, food, etc., it really doesn’t make sense for colleges to be increasing tuition rates. If this trend continues, you may soon start to see a reduction in financial aid packages.
One trend: That’s starting to appear is the increasing trend of “universities within a university.” This is a fancy way of saying that two schools are sharing the same buildings, giving each school its own identity and distinct identity. Obviously, it can be quite beneficial to those students who don’t want to leave their home campus, but for those who do, the new setting can provide a welcome respite from the routine of their daily college experience. And for the people who are leaving their homes to go to school, this can be very beneficial. The convenience of actually being able to go to class at the “place” (the University) rather than having to drive or take the train can have a positive effect on their mental well being and so can the change in lifestyle that is required of them.
Another trend in higher education costs: That has started to appear is that of the changing nature of degrees. For years, engineering degrees have been one of the more consistent cost trends. However, with the trend in higher education costs in general impacting the economy as a whole, more students are looking towards other types of degrees. There are of course, always going to be continuing trends in the costs of living, but when it comes to the cost of an engineering degree, it seems as though the upward momentum won’t stop any time soon. If engineering keeps moving up in price, it’s only going to become more of a necessary expense.
Of course, one of the major trends in higher education: Costs that we’ve already seen to some degree is that of the increasing number of degrees required in order to get a particular job. And as things continue on this trend, it’s only going to become more necessary for people to get more degrees in order to even have an opportunity to try for the jobs they desire. But there’s good news: technology has made it possible for people to actually keep their jobs. And the number of degrees people can get is still relatively low, allowing for a much more reasonable cost.
With all the money that’s been lost recently due to the recession, it’s a real good thing to have more education in the job market.