As the 2010-2011 school year comes to a close, senior Falcons prepare for fresh starts and new beginnings. For many of these Falcons, the laborious BWHS experience will be followed by enrollment in a prestigious university, or a top choice institution. But for some, the future is clouded by monetary difficulties. For these students, only ambiguity and disappointment ensue.

It is common knowledge that the United States is crawling out of an economic slump that is short of only the Great Depression-- and as a result inflation is manifesting in every aspect of the consumer world. Groceries, clothing, and home prices are peaking; as is the price of college tuition.

"College is ridiculously expensive," said Elizabeth Holohan, senior. "The tuition of a school was one of the main deciding factors for me. You can’t go somewhere you can’t afford. It’s unfortunate because a lot of students can’t go to their dream school simply because of the price tag."

However, the cost of higher education is only rising. Despite sweeping, nationwide fiscal issues, universities continue to raise their tuition and room and board. In fact, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) raised its price by nearly 10 percent for the upcoming school year. For in-state students, the cost jumped from approximately $15, 800 to $17,300. But while these prices soar, students’ budgets remain the same: limited.

"A lot of families are still reeling from the poor economy," said Holohan. "This is also unfortunate because while the cost rises, income doesn’t. And in any given area, especially Loudoun County, scholarship and grant opportunities are tremendously competitive."

Still, despite soaring costs and limited aid, students see only one option: to soldier on—a higher education is a necessity for success in the working world.

"College is no longer just an option anymore," said Chris Ciullo, senior. "Jobs have become so specialized that in order to be competitive in the job market, you need to go to college- and not just any college, a 4-year college. So we have kids who really can’t afford these ridiculous prices but who feel that they don’t have a choice- and so they prepare to be saddled with debt for years."

College enrollment was originally intended to reflect the character and work ethic of a given student- but today, this is not so. Students are forced into safety schools for scholarship purposes, or to attend community college for half of their Bachelor’s education simply because the cost is more affordable. Now, academic success is only one factor that can guarantee enrollment. The other is the ability to sign over a paycheck.

"Some people don’t get to maximize their potential because their parents don’t make enough money or because they can’t get enough student loans," said Brian Jones, senior. "That just doesn’t sit right with me."