DATE: June 20, 2008

CONTACT: Catherine Watt, (864) 903-3266
cwatt@clemson.edu

WRITER: Peter Kent, (864) 650-7899
pkent@clemson.edu


Education alliance provides South Carolina parents free resource to plan for college

CLEMSON — The Alliance for Research on Higher Education has released a roadmap to success for South Carolina’s children.

"Planning for College: A Comprehensive Guide for S.C. Families" lays out the journey from early education through college. The guide is a planner designed specifically for South Carolina families, keying on in-state schools and financial aid. The alliance is a collaboration of education, government, business and philanthropic institutions focused on South Carolina education issues and answers. Alliance offices are located in the Strom Thurmond Institute of Government and Public Affairs at Clemson University.

“This book is different from anything else you will read about preparing for college,” said Catherine Watt, alliance director. ”Experts from across South Carolina have come together for the sole purpose of helping you plan for college and for a successful career. Authors represent technical colleges, four-year universities, research universities and public and private institutions. Chapters are designed to take you all the way from middle and high school planning through the time you walk into your first college class. Our authors are experienced and recognized experts in their areas and have taken the time to share their thoughts with you because they know what a difference higher education makes in a person’s life. You are reading a book designed specifically for you as a South Carolinian. The future of South Carolina rests entirely on the education of its citizens: health, economic development and overall wellbeing all derive from education.”

College can be an intimidating and overwhelming proposition for many families, especially in tough times. Despite the successes of the past generations that did well with a high school diploma, the economic demands of the future require workers with knowledge beyond that offered in high school. According to all estimates, more than three out of every four jobs created now and in the future will require some education past high school.

The chances of being unemployed decrease with education level as thesefigures show:

  • Professional degree: unemployment rate 1.1 percent
  • Doctorate: 1.4 percent
  • Master's degree: 1.7 percent
  • Bachelor's degree: 2.3 percent
  • Associate's degree: 3.0 percent
  • Some college, no degree: 3.9 percent
  • High school graduate: 4.3 percent
  • No high school diploma: 6.8 percent

Source:  U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2006

“This publication targets South Carolina families wishing to learn more about affording college and will serve as a practical handbook for students seeking a college degree,” Rep. Robert W. Harrell Jr., speaker of the state house, wrote in the guide.

“In addition to providing basic information, the family guide initiates the concept that higher education is an investment requiring careful planning, yet one that offers a large return for both families and for the state," he wrote. "Information provided in the guide can shape future statewide discussions as all citizens become better informed about the role educating our young people plays in South Carolina’s position in the global economy. It is essential reading for families considering investing in their children’s future success. Detailed distribution efforts ensure that the guide reaches those most in need of better information. The guide has been published at no cost to families, and I trust that it will provide the blueprint that you need for your family to understand this important investment.”

Investing in education requires several steps similar to retirement planning.  Families must determine:

  • The resources they have for investing;
  • The portfolio of options available and of interest to them;
  • The potential external resource contributions; and
  • The desired outcome from the investment.

The family guide incorporates information from the entire “investment portfolio” of South Carolina higher education, including technical colleges, private institutions, regional campuses, comprehensive institutions and research universities.

The guide will be available free online and will be made available in print to schools, libraries and other organizations as funding permits. The South Carolina Student Loan Corp. funded the first printing.

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