“A majority of my tuition is being funded by Parent Loans, which I am being held responsible for paying,” Keegan explained. “I plan to save money so I can pay a chunk off each year so it doesn't rack up when I graduate."

“A majority of my tuition is being funded by Parent Loans, which I am being held responsible for paying. I plan to save money so I can pay a chunk off each year so it doesn't rack up when I graduate,” Keegan explained.

Tuition hikes are a dreary issue for college students and their families, as they frantically attempt to pay the add-ons. Each year, the campaign for a tuition increase plays a part in state budget construction. The results can cause either a sigh of relief or a frown of discontent. In 2005, however, the budget was passed on time for the first time in 21 years; and the legislation was on the students’ side. After Governor George Pataki glanced at its pages, no pen motions touched it, no vetoes were issued, and he accepted the budget.

Miriam Kramer, higher education coordinator for New York Public Interest Resource Group, states, “The state agreed on a very good budget. Families can breathe a huge sigh of relief concerning higher education."

During budget hearings, Governor Pataki tried to convince the legislature to add an additional $500 to college tuition, which would go into effect next fall for State University of New York schools, as well as $250 for City University of New York schools, paired with a Tuition Guarantee program. Tuition Guarantee consists of two parts: one part would create smaller raises each year instead of massive hikes every few years. Another part would include a freeze technique, fixing a student’s tuition throughout college. For example, if an incoming student was paying $5,000, he or she would not be susceptible to future increases.

Pataki’s plan also intended to slice through state opportunity programs that offer financial aid, like the Educational Opportunity Program, Higher Education Opportunity Program, College Discovery, and the Search for Education Elevation and Knowledge. The Tuition Assistance Program, which supplies additional financial aid for college, would also be remodeled. Essentially, the program would withhold half of the student’s aid during their time in college. When that student graduates, the money is relinquished.

“It has pros and cons,” Jenna West, a Cortland student, explains. “You are not getting the full amount while in school, but the extra money after graduation can pay back loans."

West is studying adolescence education at a state university school and is paying for her college career through loans and financial aid; a common path for most students. According to a 2002 National Student Loan Survey, over 70 percent of students agree that loans are the main method of payment at college.

Although this year’s budget didn't pass any of these policies, tuition hikes are not new to people in New York State. The most drastic increase occurred in 2003, when tuition was raised $940. According to the New York Public Interest Group, a nonprofit group which pursues policy reforms, the rise in tuition balances the state funding cuts to college education. In a recent report by this organization, New York is ranked 20th for average costs of higher education for four year schools, and third for community colleges. Cheaper states include Texas, Florida, and California.

“It isn't fair because it doesn't give everyone an equal opportunity to pursue higher education. People may have the grades, but they don’t have the money,” West states.

“State universities and community colleges have become so expensive,” West states. “It isn't fair because it doesn't give everyone an equal opportunity to pursue higher education. People may have the grades, but they don’t have the money.”

Although no tuition hike is planned the for 2005-2006 school year, the threat is always looming. “It’s unfortunate this issue is always on the table,” Kramer stated. “When the budget is short and there is not enough money, the burden is directed to the students and there families. We are working with elected officials to create other ways to fund state colleges in order to shift the expense away from the families."

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College Funds on the Federal Level

Each state offers financial aid programs, but there are also some federal ones to help struggling students. Here is a breakdown of some of them.

Pell Grant: a major federal financial aid program for low-income undergraduate students that does not need to be repaid.

Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants: another program for low-income students. The amounts can vary between $1,000 and $4,000 a year.

Federal Work Study: allows undergraduate and graduate students to earn money in a work related major.

Perkins Loans: loans given by schools to help students. Even though it is a government loan, repayment goes back to the college.