Making College Affordable in Wisconsin

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Updated: 4:47 PM Jan 18, 2006 Making College Affordable in Wisconsin Paying for a college degree is tougher than ever these days. In his State of the State Address, Governor Jim Doyle will unveil a plan which he hopes will make it easier for some students to afford a UW education. Posted: 6:12 PM Jan 17, 2006 Reporter: Amanda Lutz Making College Affordable in Wisconsin

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Governor Jim Doyle wants these students to think about college even before they hit high school.

In a plan unveiled in his State of the State Address, eighth graders would sign a pledge saying they'll maintain a "B" average, take college prep classes and stay out of trouble.

If they follow that plan and enroll in a Wisconisn public university, but can't afford tuition after all financial aid is applied, the state will pick up the tab.

"A lot of students don't qualify for a full package of financial aid, so there's always that group that could use that extra money to meet the cost of college expenses," says Jack Volovsek, a guidance counselor at D.C. Everest Senior High School.

Volovsek says the plan sounds like a good investment but wants to learn more details. Dr. Nolan Beck, UW Marathon County's assistant dean of student services, agrees.

"Anything to support and encourage students to continue their education is beneficial to a state, not only in an educational way but in a social and economic way," says Dr. Beck.

And some high school students say it may motivate their peers to keep their grades up.

"A lot of kids know they aren't gonna be able to afford college so they don't try in high school. So it would be a lot easier for them to try if the state helped them afford to pay," says Lindsey Litrenta, a junior at D.C. Everest Senior High.

Doyle may reveal more details on this plan in his State of the State address, and as he travels Wisconsin later this week.