Page 163 - Crisis in Higher Education

134 • Crisis in Higher Education

help students graduate without student loan debt. Many of these ideas
require a long-term focus.

1. Taking advanced placement (AP) or international baccalaureate (IB)
courses while in high school. Many high schools offer these courses,
and there is no tuition or fees. High school students who complete
these courses earn university credit.
2. Attending a university while in high school. In some states this is
possible and students can attend tuition-free. More on this topic in
Chapter 14 on revamping relationships with high schools and com-
munity and technical colleges.
3. Using employer benefits to pay for courses.
4. Working while in high school and saving money.
5. Having a parent work at the university. Universities often offer a
discount or even free tuition for dependents of employees.
6. Using military benefits to pay for a university degree.
7. Taking 15 or 16 credit hours each term rather than 12. Students who
take 12 credits each term require an extra year or maybe even two to
complete their degree, which means another year or more of tuition,
fees, room and board, and so on. Plus, the cost of tuition and fees for
12 credit hours and 16 credit hours is often the same. In addition,
taking an extra year or two to complete the degree takes time away
from career employment and good pay.
8. Attending online classes. Even if tuition is the same, students may
not have to pay activity fees and they can live at home and take
classes. Just make sure the courses are rigorous. 20
9. Working in public service. There are some public service jobs that
merit loan forgiveness under the College Cost Reduction and Access
Act of 2007. 21

6.2.2 Demanding a Rigorous Curriculum
Students, parents, other family members, and friends should demand a
curriculum that has rich content and high performance standards. Such a
curriculum has the following characteristics:

1. It is practical and linked to the needs of employers so graduates have
the knowledge and skills that make them attractive employees.