Editor: 

There are some great colleges near where we live. Many places have their local colleges closer by than you think. It makes you wonder why as many people as they do, choose and would leave their own state, to go for college or to a university farther away, if it is not needed.

When you use the local universities and colleges, you save money. It costs more to send a student out of state than to educate within the state.

There are of course, scholarships, Pell grants and student loans. These can help most students where they want to go, (though an extra job would certainly be a possibility for some extra money). But if students keep their education in higher learning in their own state, or hometown, they are supporting the area they grew up in—creating the pathways to follow for the next students to enter the educational process.

I know many universities and colleges will be after seniors before graduation happens. However, being at a far away, out of state school, does not actually mean you have a better education, just perhaps, a more expensive education instead. Depending on the major a student chooses, many students can take advantage of state schools.

Higher education is important; whether it is a university or college degree, or perhaps a certified vocational course, it makes no difference because all the education a student can receive is a step ahead. Getting ahead is what we all want, especially for the children. We want them to have every advantage  we as parents missed out on, and grow up to be successful, independent individuals. These days, with the changing economy, everything is a help for the future. You just never know what may happen in the next few years.

So, why not take advantage of the preparation of your child’s future, in your own state school? It will save you money, it costs more to pay out of state tuition to the others and you help your own local universities and colleges. If the student has a major they can work with closer by, it just makes sense, to save the money, and help the community where you live, or at least the area you live in. Enjoy the fact the education is as well as the more expensive out of state school. Support your local colleges and universities whenever possible.

Rose Murphy

Fairhope