2008 Woodie Awards
Non-Residents Pay More
Maggie Ownbey
Issue date: 3/16/05 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
This year, Valley College non-resident students are paying $164 per unit; that's more than six times the $26 fee that resident students pay.
"I felt trapped and scared, I didn't know what to do," said Jose Lopez whose name has been changed to protect his identity. Lopez, a non-resident student at Valley, said he was discouraged when he realized he couldn't afford the cost of a higher education.
In 1991, Lopez moved with his family from Zacatecas, Mexico. He started seventh grade in the United States and in 1996, graduated from North Hollywood High School. Lopez said his hopes of attending university faded when he saw the cost of tuition. He soon learned that his citizenship status made him ineligible for scholarships. As doors closed, Lopez stopped going to school.
Until 2002, foreign students faced higher non-resident fees.
Assembly Bill 540 now provides non-resident tuition exemptions for students who attended high school in California for three or more years and California high school graduates.
After five years away from school, Lopez registered at Valley and now majors in photography with plans to graduate in fall 2005.
"Don't waste time. Find a major, have a goal and look for the options," said Lopez.
Valley's Financial Aid Director Barbara Ralston suggests that non-resident students check out their financial aid options. "More than ever, if students are struggling to pay for their education they should apply for financial aid," said Ralston. "The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is free. There's no harm to apply and everything to gain."
Ralston explains there are several Department of Homeland Security categories and encourages students to see a counselor because not all students are eligible for financial aid.
Ralston said "It's not too late for the current 2004-2005 academic year and the time to apply for 2005-2006 is now."
"I felt trapped and scared, I didn't know what to do," said Jose Lopez whose name has been changed to protect his identity. Lopez, a non-resident student at Valley, said he was discouraged when he realized he couldn't afford the cost of a higher education.
In 1991, Lopez moved with his family from Zacatecas, Mexico. He started seventh grade in the United States and in 1996, graduated from North Hollywood High School. Lopez said his hopes of attending university faded when he saw the cost of tuition. He soon learned that his citizenship status made him ineligible for scholarships. As doors closed, Lopez stopped going to school.
Until 2002, foreign students faced higher non-resident fees.
Assembly Bill 540 now provides non-resident tuition exemptions for students who attended high school in California for three or more years and California high school graduates.
After five years away from school, Lopez registered at Valley and now majors in photography with plans to graduate in fall 2005.
"Don't waste time. Find a major, have a goal and look for the options," said Lopez.
Valley's Financial Aid Director Barbara Ralston suggests that non-resident students check out their financial aid options. "More than ever, if students are struggling to pay for their education they should apply for financial aid," said Ralston. "The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is free. There's no harm to apply and everything to gain."
Ralston explains there are several Department of Homeland Security categories and encourages students to see a counselor because not all students are eligible for financial aid.
Ralston said "It's not too late for the current 2004-2005 academic year and the time to apply for 2005-2006 is now."
