Dear Editor,

It is no secret that college can get quite expensive. I feel that this may be an obstacle for some

prospective students when they are making their decisions on them after high school plans. I

understand there is financial aid available, as well scholarships. Although, some of this financial help

require resources in themselves. As far as financial aid is concerned, you usually need access to a

computer and then face the burden of paying off debt after graduation. I have noticed over my four

years at Youngstown State University that some scholarship criteria are very specific and is

constantly changing. This may limit the scholarships available to some individuals. Another issue I

feel that is ran into regarding the cost of college is those who have to maintain jobs and go to college

at the same time. Some students must work during school to maintain the ability to go to college.

This can lead to copious amounts of stress in life financially, mentally, etc. Not only is college

expensive in the tuition aspect, but you also must consider class fees, costs of books, materials for

classes or clinicals, etc. I propose offering more scholarships with less criteria and more of an effort

to lessen the cost of college. I feel this would open more opportunities for students who really need to

financial means for college to decrease work overload, stress, and the burden of paying off debt after

college. Also, I think there is a way to decrease the resources, like computers, necessary to apply for

and find scholarships, financial aid, etc. I think a solution to this issue may be to offer scholarships at

places people go a lot to make them more accessible than just on technology. Some examples of

these are grocery stores, libraries, common areas at universities, etc. Thank you for taking the time to

read my letter and I hope you take my thoughts into consideration!

Concerned YSU Nursing Student,

Delaney Early