Navigating the world of college funding can be a daunting experience, especially for middle-class families. Recently, my partner and I tackled the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for our daughter’s inaugural year of college. As we hit “submit,” nostalgia about how quickly time has flown was quickly overshadowed by disbelief: “Wait, they think we can shell out HOW much?”
Our Expected Family Contribution (EFC)—the amount the FAFSA suggests we can afford after accounting for any federal loans—is pegged at a staggering $9,000. Yes, nine thousand dollars for a single academic year!
Both my partner and I are firmly situated in the middle class. Throughout our marriage, my partner has held a full-time job, while I’ve juggled part-time work since we became parents. We’ve never come close to six figures, and have lived in various areas with differing living costs. While we’ve managed to cover our bills and even pay off our ten-year-old cars, we’ve got little set aside for college expenses. My partner’s student loans are behind us, but I’m still grappling with significant student debt of my own.
I often wish the FAFSA team could take a peek at our budget and explain where we’re supposed to find an extra $9,000. This situation is all too common for many middle-class families. I can personally relate; my parents faced the same challenges two decades ago, leading to my own hefty student loan burden. Back then, my mom was a stay-at-home parent running a daycare, while my dad worked as a social worker. When my mom began nursing school at 36, we transitioned to a dual-income household just as I was preparing for college.
I’ll admit, we made some naïve choices regarding higher education. I chose to attend a small, private college far from home, thinking my academic record would pave the way. We knew college was pricey, but we didn’t fully investigate the cost variations between institutions. That was our first blunder. My parents, having limited financial resources during my childhood, didn’t have savings for my education. By the time I graduated, their income had improved, but that meant less eligibility for financial aid.
I secured a handful of scholarships, a few minor grants, and some federal loans, but still fell short of covering tuition, room, board, and travel. So, we resorted to private loans—a second mistake. I graduated with honors, but my chosen profession as a teacher didn’t offer much financial relief. The starting salary for teachers in Iowa was around $19,000, while my monthly student loan payments were $400. The numbers simply didn’t add up.
Fast-forward twenty years, and I’m now married with three kids. I’ve continued to work part-time as a teacher, tutor, or writer, but my student loans are far from being paid off. As my partner and I have just begun to earn a bit more, we find ourselves filling out the FAFSA for our daughter, and it’s a frustrating reminder of being caught in that middle space of financial eligibility.
The FAFSA doesn’t account for our youngest needing braces or the costs associated with our aging car that is on the brink of collapse. If we were struggling more, we’d qualify for grants. If we were wealthier, we could cover tuition without breaking a sweat. Instead, we’re trapped in a financial aid system that assumes we have resources we simply don’t possess.
Our daughter has chosen to attend a state school, which helps with costs, but college expenses are still substantial—even at public universities. The price of books is outrageous; her community college classes have already shown us that. Why does a basic college algebra textbook cost $200? That’s a mystery, especially when resources like Khan Academy offer free math courses!
While I’m grateful for our middle-class status—where we can afford the essentials—I can’t shake the feeling that this situation is more challenging than it ought to be. My daughter will work diligently and pursue scholarships, and we’re committed to figuring it out. However, the financial burden of higher education remains overwhelming.
It’s hard not to compare the U.S. higher education system to countries where college is accessible at a fraction of the cost or even fully funded. If you’re curious about the issues facing the American middle class, perhaps it’s time to look into the financial aid process.
In summary, the struggle to afford college tuition while being caught in the middle-class bracket is a familiar and daunting challenge for many families. The complexities of the FAFSA system can leave us feeling frustrated and financially stretched, even as we strive for a better future for our children.
Keyphrase: College Affordability for Middle Class
Tags: home insemination kit, home insemination syringe, self insemination