Making college affordable

If you have not yet gotten a chance, check out the cover story of this week's Lake County Journal.

The article profiles some Lake County students and their parents as the students prepare to make the transition from high school to college. Click here to read the story.

Anyone who has packed up their belongings and headed off to college – or has watched a child pack up and leave home for school – can relate to the story.

But one aspect of college life I did not mention in the story is the cost.

News Flash – college is expensive. And it is getting more expensive every year.

Tracey Tyrrell, whose son Tommy just started classes at Illinois Wesleyan in Bloomington, spoke with me for the article in this week's Journal.

Tracey told me how a little work on applying for scholarships can go a long way for students and their families. Even though Tommy has already started school, he is still applying for additional scholarship money, she said.

"It's so much more costly than you expect," Tracey told me. "Really, really encourage your kids to apply for any type of scholarship that's available."

Fellow Lake County Journal reporter Stephanie Lehman told me that when she was applying for college she looked for scholarships at www.fastweb.com. She also recommended checking out local rotary clubs, VFWs or other community groups to see if they have scholarships available.

High school guidance counselors also could point out other scholarship options, she said.

A $500 scholarship here and there may seem to make only a small dent in total college tuition, but each and every dollar helps.