President's Blog

Making College Affordable

October is the month traditionally set aside for students to begin completing their financial aid forms for the upcoming year and I find myself thinking about the growing economic concerns many community college students grapple with today.

The Community College Research Center at Columbia University reports that according to a November 2020 U.S. Census Bureau survey, compared to households with four-year college students, households with community college students more frequently reported that “affordability/financial aid changed” as a reason for altering postsecondary plans. What is so concerning about this situation is that there are several resources available to assist students who need financial help, especially here at Owens, yet these resources often go untapped.

For example, Owens offers a wide range of scholarships to help students complete a degree program without having to take on significant debt. These scholarships may be based on financial need, academic merit, or even a specific area of interest.

Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is essential to obtaining money that often does not have to be repaid (think Pell Grants). Yet a significant proportion of our students who may otherwise qualify do not apply as early as possible to receive as much aid as they can. That’s if they apply at all. According to our Fall Enrollment Trend Dashboard, nearly half (47%) of our students have no FAFSA on file.

I believe many students simply don’t know how to address the challenge of finding financial support for school or they assume it is not available for them. Fortunately, Owens offers free workshops led by Student Financial Services Advisors ready to help with completing the FAFSA. In fact, there are workshops still available this month for those who would like to register.

The Pell Grant and scholarships are just a couple of resources available to make college more affordable. The College Credit Plus program is another excellent way to reduce the cost of attending Owens. By participating in Ohio’s dual enrollment program, students in grades 7-12 can earn college and high school credits at the same time. For students already in the workforce, many employers offer tuition remission or will pay for training in some of the technical programs we offer.

To Owens students I say this: The process of filling out forms can be daunting. But there is funding available. You may find out that you qualify for enough to cover the cost of tuition and fees. Sometimes it may not be enough. However, even if you don’t believe you’re eligible for anything at all, then the most you’ve sacrificed is about an hour of your time. Once you fill out the first FAFSA, the hard work is done, and you only need to update it for subsequent years. Why wouldn’t you when you stand so much to gain?  And you know that caring people here at Owens can assist you if you have questions.

Dispel the myth that the only way through school is to take on substantial debt, especially here at Owens. Remember: Those who engage in post-secondary education will earn more and are less likely to be unemployed. The difference is thousands per year and exponentially more over your lifetime. This opportunity is too large to leave unaddressed.

Owens is here to help. As always, I believe in your success. I am rooting for you.

Dione D. Somerville, Ed.D.
President