Every family in the nation has been touched directly or indirectly by the current economic situation. From records about students attending college, it is clear that in times like these, students and families decide to end their college plans. That’s the wrong thing to do. Let me explore the reasons you should stick to your college going plans.

• The solution to our economic situation personally and nationally depends on more education.
• It has been and will be the case that public and private funding will be increased as much as possible to assure students go to college.
• On a very practical level, it’s a difficult time to get a job so college can be the right investment of time in a tough economy.

Our economic future depends on education.

As individuals, there is no question that additional education improves our future. While there is a debate among economists about how much more you are likely to earn with a college education, not one person debates that you will earn more than without education. There are also many, many benefits beyond earnings. Those with education after high school are much more likely to have children who go on to college. A college education leads to higher levels of voting and good health. The best future for each person in our country is better secured with education.

Our nation will require more and more education to be competitive in the world economy. The United States has always excelled at providing ideas and innovation that lead the world in improvement. This need for innovation will only increase at a faster and faster pace in the future. That means that those with the best futures will be thinking of new ideas and changing old systems. The best job for you may not even exist now, but will be created to solve current and future problems.

Funds to help you finance college will continue.

Whether federal or state, those representing public interests understand how important it is to keep education going. Some will support financial aid because they believe educational opportunity is the socially just thing to do; others will support financial aid because they understand educational support is the smart thing to do. No matter the reason for the support, financial aid will continue.

There may be changes in aid, however. First and foremost, deadlines to apply for scholarships and financial aid will be even more important in the future than in the past. As an Ohio State student said to me, “Better late than never works in everything except money for college; with financial aid, late IS NEVER!” She was right then, and her wisdom will increase as time makes demand on funds even higher. Be sure to do your part to get ahead of financial aid deadlines. Fill out the FAFSA4CASTER (http://www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov) as soon as possible, then use that system to transfer the information to your actual FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) after January 1. Attend College Goal Sunday (http://ww.collegegoalsunday.org) or contact any local financial aid office to get help with the FAFSA.

Private sources of financial aid, especially those from the colleges themselves, will do all they can to help students continue with college plans. Don’t turn yourself down by failing to apply. Apply! You are likely to be pleasantly surprised by what may be available to help you achieve your dreams. Be sure to look locally for assistance: places where you or your parents work, religious organizations and local service organizations often have scholarships to help.

It’s the right time to go to college.

Realistically, when the economy is down, it’s a good time to attend college. With jobs less available, you are giving up less to study than when the economy is strong and wages higher. Wise people have always made money in bad times, and one way that has been accomplished is to invest in the right things – and most of all, college is a great investment.

Take advantage of this time to build a better future for yourself, your state and our nation. Keep your college plans alive!