Can I afford college? Tuition struggles have Cleveland students searching for answers
CLEVELAND (WJW) — Marianna Trecarichi, 19, from Medina is thriving at Cleveland State University as a cheerleader and psychology major.
As the first in her family to go to college, she knew there would be an uphill battle in paying for school.
'I already knew Cleveland State's tuition was the cheapest and I just knew that it made the most sense for me financially to not be tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt,' Trecarichi said.
SURVEY: More Americans say college isn't worthwhile
Rising tuition costs, combined with limited financial aid options and the burden of student debt, are creating a tough landscape for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds.
'I'm applying for this scholarship despite my unwavering commitment to my future, the financial cloud looms over me like an unshakable weight,' Trecarichi said.
Jimmy Malone is the founder of the Jimmy Malone Scholarship Program and said for more than 30 years he's been receiving emotional application essays just like these.
This year, Malone's non-profit received higher than usual submissions from students in search of free money, a trend that's also being felt nationwide.
The latest education stats show 19% of students surveyed dropped out with financial uncertainty as the cause. Fifty-nine percent considered dropping out due to financial stress and 78% percent reported negative impacts on mental health.
Colleges will cost up to $95K for some. Schools say financial aid can numb sticker shock
'There are many, many students who graduate from college with little or no debt, but you have to make an intelligent decision,' Malone said.
Malone said students should start applying for college scholarships while still in high school. And to fill out the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and to apply for grants.
What's Trecarichi's advice?
'It might seem fun and great to go to one school, but if the other one makes financially more sense and you can't afford the other school then I feel like the decision kinda gets made for you,' she said.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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