What do you feel are your main barriers to Higher Education (University)? Is money the main problem?

Question

Could you please let me know your thoughts on this. I have a job interveiw and have to do a presentation so would like to know what real people think, not what the government says they do. If you are happy to, please could you let me know your gender, age and ethnic background. I'm interested in everybodies opinions, whether you are in school or are in work. Thank you.

Answer 1

good ques.plz visit www.go2school.in and flsh your question on board and get it answered by principals of top schools in india.

Answer 2

I am a 52 y.o. First Nations male who after I raised my children went out and earned an AA, BS and MA degrees and my main barrier to going on and earning a doctorate or PhD. is simply the higher you go in seeking an education the narrower (more proscribed) the thinking is.

I am a member of an honor society and have been on several Deans and Presidents Honors Lists so doing the work and making the grade is not the problem ... it is just that it came to pass that to get a good grade (4.0) I had to access what each one of my Doctors or Professors wanted or believe in .... to understand how they perceived the universe and direct my answers or writing to that reality, belief or school of thought.

It was only during my days at community college that a state of the art thinking was allowed as a goal in my path towards higher education.

For a Doctorate I would be forced to write towards the perceived truths of an appointed panel .... which might not be so bad if I could pick them. Truly I once had naively thought our University's were where we took human knowledge to its extreme limits and then proceeded to push the envelope a little farther along and it was very disappointing to find it simply a paper chase and degrees are just licenses to work in your chosen field.

Answer 3

I say, yes, it's the money. I am a white female, 58 years old and my husband and I moved to Florida 17 years ago. The plan was that I would finish my education (criminal justice) and he would work. Needless to say, it didn't happen. Oh yes, I checked into it; even got my papers from the community college I had attended back home. I have also inquired since then as well. I don't know if it's truly (well, yes it has to be) the money, or the fact that if I apply for a grant, loan, or whatever, MY HUSBAND has to sign the papers. Please! I don't mean to go off on a tangent, but after all I am not of average student age! And I wasn't 17 years ago either. It's like saying, "I'm sorry, but you're not old enough and we have to have your parents co-sign for you". So yes, I guess it all reverts back to the money. Thank you for asking and good luck.

Answer 4

I think money is a big issue. Yea if there is no college around where you live, you can go dorm but than again it cost more money. And also not enough financial help from the college. If parents make more money, even kids who live independently cant get aid because they are under age (24 for nj). So kids wander around the streets. Loans are big burden. First u gotta think about how to pass and second you better so that u can get good job and pay back the money.
M indian living in jersey.

Answer 5

30, Female, White -

In middle of OU psychology degree. Main barrier to me now is time. I have a young daughter so can only study when I am already done in..

Good childcare which is afforable would be beneficial to those of us with kids..

Money, at conventional University (went twice when I was younger) was the main problem. Unless you have the saftey net of relatively rich parents then Uni is going to be a financial struggle.

With the OU - not having transport, tuition, lodging fees etc it is much more managable although sometimes you can miss out on the rounded social experience only physically being present can give ya.

Good luck with your interview.

Answer 6

I am male, 20 and White British.

I am at University and find the hardest part is the money aspect. Due to my hours of study, I can only work part time, and with the recommended max no. of hours of work being 20, it means on an average wage I can only earn £4k a year. I have to borrow £3000 on loan and I still run short of money at the end of the month. I can not afford a car because of the insurance and tax and have to live at home, sharing a room with my bro! Doesn't help with relationship when you want to be intimate

Answer 7

i live in scotland and the only barrier was lack of introductory qualifications - education is free here if you are suitably prepared, tho student loans for living expenses are repayable, but are interest free and only repaid once earning a set amount of cash. I think on it as a slightly higher tax rate.
It is my belief that education should be free as in the long run it benefits all sections of society - families are better prepared if the parents are educated, people wont accept jobs with poor conditions, we dont swallow everything our governments tell us about so called wars, and we become a more civilised, industrious and aware country.

Answer 8

I don't know if I qualify. I'm turning 40 this year. But the answer to your question for me is this: I had to work because I needed to. Money is a great factor in pursuing higher education in a university, so is time. I didn't have either. I wasn't happy about it then but in time, I managed to finish a degree and I'm happy about it - female, 39, filipina, working mom.

Answer 9

It depends on various factors for the barriers in getting education, but i think in almost any part of the world cost is a huge factor, it is the biggest obstacle for getting education. In my opinion second is the upbringing, someone who didn't have proper education in schools will not opt for higher education, if too much time is spent on finishing high school, getting another degree will be too time consuming.

Answer 10

Money and The ability to find good higher education near where I live. (I am forced to do most of my stuff online because there is nothing were I live)