Reality Check On College

Path to College Dreams Strewn With Stones

Entering college is often seen as an exciting chapter in life – a time for independence, new friendships, and self-discovery. But for many students, it can also be when mental health struggles, especially depression, begin to surface.

Growing up, movies and people at school made college seem for me like the ultimate dream: moving away, being independent, living in dorms, going to parties, the whole deal. But as I got older, I started hearing a different story from people who actually went to big-name schools such as Oregon State, the University of Oregon, and even fancy out-of-state universities.

To my surprise, a lot of them ended up coming back home, transferring to Portland State University or even here, to Mt. Hood. When I asked why, the answer was almost always the same: stress, burnout, and financial struggles. And what really threw me off? These weren’t just any students; they were the straight-A, overachieving, 4.0 GPA types. The ones who had spent years building perfect résumés.

But even for these standouts, the whole experience wasn’t worth it. The pressure, the overwhelming workload, and the debt all hit harder than expected. One minute, they thought they had life figured out. The next? Total breakdown.

That’s when I started questioning everything. Why did no one talk about this part? Why was college always painted as this flawless experience? Leaving home at 18 and being “independent” sounds great until you’re crammed into a tiny dorm, drowning in student loans, and realizing you just paid $20,000 for housing, alone.

Somehow, people act like the harder a school is to get into, the better it is, like choosing financial stability over prestige is something to look down upon. But what’s actually smarter, struggling under debt for a name on a diploma or making a choice that won’t wreck your future? 

The Reality of College Costs and Scholarships

In 2025, the cost of attending college is staggering. Even for in-state students at public universities, tuition and fees can exceed $40,000 per year, while out-of-state students may face costs surpassing $90,000. Private universities aren’t any better, often charging over $60,000 annually. And that’s before factoring in textbooks, housing, and everyday living expenses.

For many students, the financial burden feels inescapable. Scholarships are often portrayed as the prime solution, but in reality, they aren’t guaranteed. Despite working hard, maintaining a high GPA, and building an impressive résumé, many students, myself included, find that scholarships simply don’t come through.

Sometimes, receiving financial aid feels like a matter of luck, as if having a heartbreaking story increases your chances of support. At the same time, mental health struggles among college students are rising. A recent survey found that 44% of students reported symptoms of depression, and 15% seriously considered suicide in the past year.

The relentless pressure to succeed academically while juggling financial stress takes a toll. Many of my friends, students with perfect grades and ambitious goals, believed they had their futures mapped out. But one by one, I watched them drop out, overwhelmed by the weight of it all. A 2023 report from the American College Health Association found that 60% of students experienced “overwhelming anxiety” over the prior  year, and 40% said stress and depression significantly impacted their ability to function. For some, like my friends, the combination of academic and financial pressure just becomes too much to bear.

The Reality of Scholarships and Support

College is often presented as a straightforward path: Work hard, get good grades, earn scholarships, and everything will fall into place. The reality is far more complicated, and means that success in higher education is not just about effort, it’s also about circumstances, resources, and sometimes, sheer luck.

All my life, I was told that if I stayed on track I would be rewarded with college acceptance and scholarships. Teachers and parents reassured me that I wouldn’t have to sweat the costs – the system would recognize my efforts and provide the support I needed. Yet here I am at age 18 –with a 4.0 GPA, multiple associate degrees before even graduating high school, over 1,000 hours of community service, and a résumé I’m proud of – facing the harsh reality that none of it was enough. I’ve been left with no scholarships, no financial aid, and no clear way to pay for college at a four-year school.

To the system, my immigrant parents make “too much” to qualify for financial assistance, yet in reality don’t have nearly enough to cover the staggering costs of higher education. What makes even less sense is how these colleges determine financial aid. If my family makes $10,000 or $20,000 more than the cutoff, I suddenly have to pay an extra $20,000 or more, out of pocket. Where is that money supposed to come from? How does a slightly higher income magically mean we can afford these ridiculous costs?

It feels like a rigged system, one that isn’t about rewarding hard work but about playing the game right. College applications and scholarships seemingly favor those who can craft the perfect essay, tell the most compelling personal story, or fit into whatever mold these institutions want. It’s less about genuine effort and more about who can write what admissions officers want to hear.

The idea that college is accessible to all those who work hard is a lie. It’s a pay-to-play system, and for many students like me, the price is simply too high.

The Reality of Working While in College

Many students are expected to work their way through school to pay higher tuition and living costs than ever before. Working long hours can make it nearly impossible to balance academic responsibilities, internships, and personal time, leaving little room for rest or self-care. The lack of financial aid for students who do work is frustrating; it’s almost as if working disqualifies you from receiving support. The system assumes that students can handle the load, while instead many simply can’t keep up with both work and studies without sacrificing their well-being.

The Unfairness of FAFSA and Financial Aid

The FAFSA system (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) often leaves students who most need financial aid without the support they deserve, as seen with the unfair cutoff policies I’ve described. This forces many to take on massive loans, while wealthier families can pay tuition upfront without taking on debt. The system’s outdated formulas don’t account for real-life expenses such as medical bills or childcare, leaving those with the greatest gaps without help. 

The result is an unfair divide, made worse by the bias in scholarship awards.

What I’ve Learned

College isn’t a race. There’s no need to rush to the finish line just because that’s what society expects. A career nowadays can thrive with a degree from an “average” state school, so it’s important to research one’s options to choose what’s best. Don’t just follow what others say or feel pressured by expectations; take your time and make informed decisions that align with your goals.

If you have the means and mentality to stay at home, do so. Take advantage of family resources while you can. Living at home can help you save money, reduce stress, and allow you to focus on what truly matters.

In 2025, money is everything – it provides security, stability, and opportunity. Wasting it on things that don’t add real value to your future can hold you back. Even small financial decisions can make a big difference. Budget wisely, invest in what truly matters, and remember that success isn’t about following a predetermined path, it’s about making the choices that truly work for you.

Mary Nashed