About the Beat

It is no secret the United States’ economy is in a recession. What has also become apparent in the past few years is that public education is one of the first items on the chopping block when budgets are reconstructed. The effects are felt at every level of the education system from elementary, middle and high schools to the state universities. Cuts to education budgets have been in the news for decades, and with each slash the results become more magnified. As a result, students and families have been taking on a larger financial obligation, especially at the collegiate level.
Now, with hard times falling upon more and more families, the decreased affordability of education is taking a more dramatic toll. That can even be seen in primary and secondary schooling. Private schools are becoming less of an option for Americans and that not only makes it more difficult for the schools losing enrollment to operate, but puts a larger burden on the already-stretched public schools those children are entering.
Another part of the education system that is taking a hit due to the economy is scholarships and financial aid. College tuition nowadays is a small fortune even at a state school, and there is less money being provided to help offset the cost for potential students. There are also more people applying for financial aid and scholarships than ever before because of the worsened economy, further compounding the problem.
As a student at Washington State University, I see first-hand the consequences these drastic budget cuts are having on our school, but we are not alone. As unbelievable as it sounds, it is even worse in some places and those nation-wide issues can offer a glimpse at what may be in store for this region. Follow me as I explore what happens in the education realm during the next four months and how it may affect the Northwest.
Please direct any questions or comments to mwalsh88@wsu.edu.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Profile Ideas

Anthony Jorgenson: A dietetics major at Washington State University, Jorgenson has been pulled in a number of directions during the last year. The dietetics program has been overhauled, then restored, and changed again. Now the junior from Medical Lake, Wash., doesn’t know if he will be in Pullman or Spokane next year, or if he will be graduating in two or three years. Jorgenson is far from alone in his predicament.

Ronnie Wideman: Despite his busy schedule as the assistant director of operations for the WSU men’s basketball team, Wideman chose to go back to school and work towards his master’s degree. How important is a master’s degree in today’s job market? A lot of people are in graduate school, but is it an increase from years passed? What is the typical salary difference?

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