By: Isyss Williams, Senior 

Senior year is a mix of excitement and stress in high school students’ lives, mostly because of college decisions. Deciding where you want to go is extremely important because it allows you to shape your future allowing you good education, career paths and great personal growth. Here is how a few students are making their college decisions.

Financial Concerns: 

Many people base their college decisions on their financial concerns. The reasoning for this is that college is extremely expensive due to its high tuition cost, constant rising debt, and the long-term economic instability that it can cause. 

General tuition for an in-state college student who wants to attend a four-year college in Pennsylvania is estimated at an annual tuition of about $14,500 – $16,500 and even higher for out-of-state students. The general tuition for a community college in Pennsylvania is about $5,000 – $11,000. 

Senior, Fiona Kelleher said that she would be attending community college first and transferring over to Drexel University after two years of attending Bucks County Community College. She felt that starting off at a community college was the smarter idea for her financially. Starting at a community college for the first two years allows you to take all your general education classes at a cheaper rate. 

Senior Brooklynn Roberts wants to attend a trade school instead of going to a four-year college. This decision is significantly cheaper, costing an average of $15,000 to $33,000 in total. Brooklynn will also be able to start her working career faster, with only having to be in the trade school for 2 years or less. Since she is not a fan of school and going into debt at a young age, this is the best decision for her. 

Academic Fit: 

Senior Riley Alkhas is attending West Chester University because she enjoys the lively environment. Riley is currently enrolled in the technical school in the exercise science and sports technology program. West Chester is a fitting place for Riley because they have a great exercise science program. 

Proximity: 

Alkhas and Kelleher prioritize staying close to their home when it comes to attending college. They want to be able to experience different things and live independently while not being too far away from their homes and family. Colleges like West Chester and Drexel University are great schools because they are close to home but still allow good academics.

Roberts also prioritizes being close or even at home. She is able to save money if she lives with her parents while she is attending trade school and getting money to be able to get an apartment later on. This is in her best interest, especially because she is a family-oriented person. 

Colleges, along with community college are both beneficial because they provide education, career-focused skills, and flexible schedules based on when you want your classes. They offer supportive environments and allow people to explore different life paths. 

Ultimately, seniors need to make the decision that is best for them, their personalities, and their goals. Finding the perfect fit will take time and much consideration