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On Wednesday, she and her son, Davis, 16, were at a college fair, hosted by York College of Pennsylvania, where she and other parents talked of funding higher education in today's sunken economy.
More than 100 colleges, high school students and their parents were at the event, which was sponsored by the Pennsylvania Association for College Admission Counseling.
"When we went (to college), it was a 10th of the price," Powers said of today's average college tuition.
But, there are ways to pay for college, she said.
"You just have to find them," Powers said.
Davis, a junior at Dallastown Area High School, wants to pursue an education in technology. He said understands that loans will probably be needed to fund his education, therefore he hopes to enter a field that will result in a high-paying career.
"I feel like I don't want it to be just about the money," Davis said. But, the economy pressures him to consider his long-term financial future while he makes decisions about college, he said.
And Davis isn't the only one.
"People are more cost-conscious right now," said Nancy Spataro, director of admissions for York College. "More people than ever are shopping around ... to see what college will give them the best deal."
More recently, some students are saying they need to take a year off to work after graduating from high school, she said.
"The
Frank Mussano, dean of administrative services, said a college education for many parents is a significant investment.
That's why it's important to find the right college, said Paige Valentine, who was at the fair with her son, Garrett, 18.
"Certainly, the economy made a big dent in the college savings account," she said. "But ... we want a good match ... This is a good way to narrow your choices."
LEARN MORE
To learn more, visit the Pennsylvania Association for College Admission Counseling Web site: www.pacac.org/
