New York City – Middle class students heading back to school in September will face larger education bills while government aid continues to drop, according to a new report released today by Representative Anthony D. Weiner (D – Brooklyn and Queens). The new report, which tracked public and private tuition rates in New York City, shows that education costs have soared to 31% while work-study grants for middle class families have dropped 3%.

HIGHLIGHTS OF REPORT

*SUNY students have faced a 31% increase in their tuition over the last six years, with costs rising from $4,176 in 2001 to 5,479 in 2007.

*CUNY tuition has increased from $3,350 in 2001 to $4,320 in 2007, an average increase of 29% over the past six years.

*Work-Study funding has actually dropped by 3% – from $1,011,000 to $980,354.

*During 2007, only 7,800 CUNY students accessed Work Study Grants – down nearly 10% from 2001.

For many middle class New Yorkers and those struggling to get there, a college education is only attainable because of federal education grants, which are not repaid, government loans, which are repaid at low interest rates or without interest, and private loans from lenders.

Congress recently expanded the maximum Pell Grant award, from $4,000 to $5,400, and cut interest rates in half on student loans.  Pell Grants have also seen a 36% increase in federal funding over the past few years.  However, because Pell Grants are only available to low income families, many middle class are considered too wealthy to qualify but do not have the means to pay for school without loans.

The Work-Study program provides subsidized part-time jobs to students, essentially offering an interest-free way to help with college expenses and encourage work. The Federal government offers participating colleges block grants, which are then distributed to students after work is completed.

Unlike Pell Grants, any student who can demonstrate financial need is eligible for Work-Study – regardless of his or her family’s income. Determination of the award is based on family income, the family’s financial aid from other sources, like other federal grants or scholarships, and availability of the funds at each individual college. Weiner will call on Congress to double aid for work-study to nearly $2 billion next year.   

Rep. Weiner said, “Affordable public education is a ladder of opportunity for the middle class and those struggling to make it. The federal government has a responsibility to help our students help themselves by making a college education affordable for everyone.”

(YWN Desk – NYC)