Sarah's Voice
How have increased tuition fees impacted you and your family?:
I had attended community college part time while working full time to try to pay for my education without taking out student loans. Now that I am at a University I have no option but to take out student loans and attend full time to try and save money. I am forced to work 40 hours per week to pay for my living expenses and have no extra income to pay for school. I don't qualify for financial aid even as an independent student and receive no help from my parents. This semester I paid over $500 on books for three classes. I pay over $20 per day to commute to school which totals about $160 per month. I have been saving my tax return for a few years now hoping that I will not have to borrow any more money to pay for my last year but if tuition keeps increasing that won't be possible. My biggest fear is after graduation I won't find a good paying job right away because of the economy and I will be stuck paying back these loans.
What are you studying at SF State and what do you hope to do once you graduate?:
I am studying business finance and want to become a financial advisor/planner after I graduate. My chosen field is very competative and entry level positions pay average salaries. I want to help others plan for their futures and learn to manage my own money so I am not struggling for the rest of my life.
Sarah F., 24 Vallejo
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