Unfortunately, many families believe that they must be well off to be able to send their children to college. This misconception, together with the low number of adults--parents--who went to college themselves keeps their children's college aspirations limited or prevents them from emerging.

College is affordable. There are many sources of aid available, including grants, scholarships, and loans. Money is available to those who need it most, based on family income and their ability to pay. A wide array of loans is also available and often arranged at reduced or federally subsidized interest rates.

Is it worth the cost? Yes. College graduates make more money than those people who do not go to college. Jobs that pay "good money" to people without degrees tend to top out early; college always is the better choice for the long term.

We all benefit from the work of college access programs and the success of the students they serve. Examples of broad social benefits include the higher taxes paid by higher earners, reduced social expenditures needed for those who graduate from college, higher voter turnout of a more educated population as well as larger numbers of young people ready to take jobs in the knowledge-based workforce.

The Ohio Board of Regents reports that in 2000, the average family income for people who had only a high school diploma was $52,252. In that same year, the average family income of people who had a college (bachelor's) degree was $96,016.