State ed. officials visit New Bedford High to talk free and more affordable college
It's part of a month-long itinerary of visits to high schools, dubbed the 'Higher Education Financial Aid Road Show.'
But the presentation by Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler and Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega to a roomful of mostly juniors and some seniors seemed a bit like an economics class.
Zero, the total money in tuition and fees needed to attend a Massachusetts community college.
$400 million, the amount of financial aid available in Massachusetts, up from $179 million over the last two years.
$1 million, the higher earning potential over a lifetime for a person with a bachelor's degree vs. someone without one.
$2,400, the total available in funds for other needs like books to community college students that includes $1,200 if they qualify for a Pell Grant.
Tutwiler noted that attendance at the state's nine state universities – including Bridgewater State University – and the four UMass schools – including UMass Dartmouth – can also be tuition-and-fee free for eligible students.
Ortega said if the students have Pell Grant eligibility, they can go tuition-and-fee free and qualify for a $1,200 stipend. If they don't qualify, but parents make less than $100,000 per year, the student could get half off tuition and fees and could also qualify for other financial aid programs.
One number they provided Monday was problematic, though: 51%.
That's the number of Massachusetts high school graduates who filled out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid last year. It needs to be completed for a student to tap into the financial aid available.
And there was a number that went with that: over 90%.
That's the percentage of students who completed their FAFSAs who then went onto college.
Ortega handed out one homework assignment to the students at the end of the hour-long program: 'Tell one other person about what you heard today.'
Students can learn more about state financial aid by visiting Mass.gov/StudentAid.
Following the presentation, Tutwiler and Ortega said there were concerns with what's happening at the federal level with education while talking with reporters.
Tutwiler said, 'Generally speaking, yes. We remain deeply concerned about all the uncertainty that's been sown with recent decisions, messages, dear colleague letters, executive orders, and so we're absolutely concerned. And we can't quite tell what the future holds. We know in Massachusetts we're doing incredible work to ensure pathways to higher education and we are concerned about the impact if the federal government decides to make a decision that's anti.'
Asked if President Trump's promise to dismantle the federal Dept. of Education could affect financial aid in Massachusetts, Tutwiler said, 'Absolutely. Massachusetts receives about $2 billion from the federal government to support a lot of different education initiatives, many of which are designed to support some of our most vulnerable populations. If the federal Dept. of Education is dismantled, we worry deeply about that, and we also worry – really about the top line for the federal Dept. of Education – which is protecting the rights of our most vulnerable populations, students with disabilities, multi-lingual learners.'
Ortega added what gave them confidence was 'we continue to remain committed to equity and access and affordability and that commitment is shared by a number of folks. That gives us great confidence of renewed investment, at least at the state level, as we wait to hear more from the federal level.'
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: State education officials laud financial aid, but wary of Trump plans
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CNBC
3 days ago
- CNBC
How to pay for college: A complete guide for students and parents
Paying for college is one of the biggest financial hurdles students and parents face — whether you're starting your undergraduate degree, thinking of graduate school, or looking to start a nest egg for your kid's future education. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to offset the costs through scholarships, loans and even a few options you might not have considered. Class is in session. Here is CNBC Select's ultimate guide on how to pay for college. Offers in this section are from affiliate partners and selected based on a combination of engagement, product relevance, compensation, and consistent and graduate students, parents, health professionals$5,000 minimum (or up to state); maximum up to cost of attendance5, 7, 10, 15, years; up to 20 years for refinancing loans Terms applyUndergraduate and graduate students, parents, international students with U.S. co-signer$1,000 up to the cost of attendance ($180,000 lifelong maximum)5, 8, 10, 15 years for undergraduate loans, up to 20 years for graduate loans Terms apply Before you start, you'll need an idea of how much you need to source or save. The cost of college can vary widely depending on the type of institution, location and even the year you attend, though you can likely expect to spend anywhere between $5,000 to $60,000 per year. For the 2024-25 school year, the average tuition at a public four-year in-state college is $11,610, while out-of-state students pay around $30,780, according to the College Board. Costs can also be significantly lower at community colleges or much higher at private institutions. Keep in mind, that's not including other expenses such as housing, books and technology — so you'll want to account for that, as well. One of the most common and recommended ways to pay for college is by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form determines your eligibility for financial aid such as federal grants, work-study opportunities and federal student loans. It can also open the door to state and school-based aid. FAFSA uses details like your income, dependency status, and other personal information to calculate how much assistance you may qualify for. When it comes to borrowing money for college, you have two main options: federal student loans and private loans. If you need to take out loans, it's best to start with federal student loans. These come with borrower protections like income-driven repayment plans, deferment and forbearance options. If federal loans don't fully cover your college costs, private student loans can help fill the gap. However, it's best to consider this as a last resort. Offered by banks, credit unions or online lenders, private loans aren't part of the federal loan system and usually lack the same protections. However, some private lenders may offer flexible terms or competitive rates, depending on your credit profile. Funding U offers private student loans without requiring a co-signer and instead evaluates other criteria such as GPA, estimated graduation rate and employment experience. Loan amounts go up to $20,000 per school year, with repayment terms ranging from 5 to 10 years. Qualifying undergraduate borrowers Up to $20,000 per school year 5 or 10 years Fixed Forbearance options available No Terms apply. Ascent Funding is another solid option as it offers a generous grace period of up to 36 months, depending on the program, compared to other lenders that offer a six-month grace period. Borrowers can also get 1% cash back on their principal loan amounts upon graduation. 3.09% to 14.93% APR with autopay discount (Undergraduate New Loan). Other rates and loan types are available. Visit Ascent's website for full details. Undergraduate and graduate loans, MBA, medical school, dental school, law school, doctorate and Master's, health professional loans. $2,001 up to $200,000 for undergraduate loans and $400,000 for graduate loans 5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20 years Deferment and forbearance options available For DACA recipients and non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents No Terms apply. In some cases, your school may automatically offer you a merit-based scholarship once you're accepted to help you cover part of your tuition. Some colleges even have special pre-college programs such as summer bridge or leadership initiatives that, if completed, could qualify you for a full ride. If that's not available, you still have options. You can apply for additional scholarships through your school, especially if they don't conflict with any aid you've already received. Check with your financial aid office to see what scholarships you're eligible for and how to apply. There are also thousands of scholarships offered by outside organizations, ranging from nonprofits to private companies, cultural foundations and professional associations. Some are based on academic achievement, financial need, field of study or even personal background and interests. You can visit your school's financial aid office or explore scholarship databases like or College Board's Scholarship Search. If you're working full-time or part-time, check whether your employer offers a tuition assistance or reimbursement program. These programs can sometimes cover a portion — or even all — of your tuition. In many cases, you'll pay out of pocket first and get reimbursed after completing the course. Some employers may also pay the school directly or offer student loan repayment benefits to help reduce your existing debt. If your company offers reimbursement, it's important to understand the terms. Some programs require you to stay with the company for a certain period after completing your degree. If you leave early, you might be responsible for paying back the costs yourself. Be sure to connect with your human resources department to learn about what's available and any conditions that apply. Parents often play a huge role in funding their child's education and there are several ways they can contribute. 529 College Savings Plans are tax-advantaged investment accounts specifically for those who are saving for someone's future education expenses. 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None $540,000 4 age-based options with various risk tolerance, which automatically rebalances each year; 10 static options based on risk tolerance and U.S. stocks and bonds (investors will need to manually change their allocations); 2 customizable options (either age- or static-based) Investors can choose from Dimensional Fund Advisors mutual funds, PIMCO Interest Income Fund, Vanguard Group funds and FDIC-insured accounts from Sallie Mae Bank and U.S. Bank Total asset-based expense ratio: 0.131% to 0.136% for my529 target-date options; 0.130% to 0.455% for customized static and age-based options, depending on investment mix; 0.211% for stable value option Terms apply. 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Your parents can help, which can help you qualify for the loan but it will also make them responsible for paying the loan if you can't. It's easy to make mistakes when figuring out how to pay for college, like borrowing more than you need, choosing a repayment plan that doesn't fit your situation or ignoring your loans altogether. Here's how to avoid it. Financial aid is often first-come, first-served. Delaying your FAFSA application could mean missing out on grants, work-study opportunities or even institutional aid. Just because you're offered a certain loan amount doesn't mean you have to accept all of it. Only borrow what's needed to cover school-related costs. Not understanding the terms of your loans can hurt you later. For example, some private loans require payments while you're still in school or have high interest rates that kick in immediately. 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USA Today
26-07-2025
- USA Today
What does 'MKT' mean on a menu? These customers learn the hard way in viral Tiktok
Do you know what MKT means? Not knowing what those initials mean could end up costing you, especially as beef prices are on the rise and tariffs are impacting prices of food, groceries and goods. Like it did for Aribella Menold. "POV: you didn't know what 'mkt' meant on steak menu and now (you're) paying for it," the text on the TikTok video from Menold reads. In a video on Instagram with 21.8 million views and the same video on Tiktok with 3.6 million views, you can see the reaction of three young women when the bill came. Their order had included two steaks, which each cost $52, a kid's grilled cheese sandwich for $10 and a baby kale Caesar salad for $28. A credit card surcharge of 3% was also added. With sales tax, the bill totaled $159.14. Menold, 20, told USA TODAY she and two young relatives were out to dinner at a separate table from other family members while on vacation in North Carolina. At most, she said she thought the MKT price steak would be "around 20 bucks. I'm pretty sure we just read the menu wrong but come from a big family so we never go out to fancy restaurants (too) often." The popular video sparked a lot of debate in the comments about whether the price for the meal was normal or expensive and whose responsibility it is to know how much something costs if the menu price isn't listed. So, is MKT just another way to say "expensive"? Here's what you need to know before you order: What is MKT or MP price? MKT stands for market price, and MKT or MP are often a standard way to express that on a food menu, said David Ortega, a food economist and professor at Michigan State University. "It signals that the cost of the item changes regularly based on current supply and demand conditions, rather than being listed as a fixed dollar amount. It's most often used for items whose wholesale prices fluctuate frequently, like fresh seafood, premium cuts of meat, or seasonal ingredients," Ortega told USA TODAY. "This approach gives restaurants flexibility for items whose costs can vary. Instead of constantly reprinting menus, they list the item as market price and adjust based on what they paid to source it. This means the final price consumers pay may change from one visit to the next, depending on what is happening in the market for that product." Ortega said he has also seen "seasonal pricing," on menus, especially for items like oysters or lobster that tend to be more seasonal depending on the location. How or why does the MKT price change for a particular food? Market prices fluctuate due to supply, demand, seasonality, and other factors, especially for items whose wholesale costs can vary daily, like seafood or steak, said Katie Thomas, who leads the Kearney Consumer Institute, an internal think tank at global management consulting firm Kearney. "Restaurants use MKT pricing to adjust with the real-time cost and maintain profitability," Thomas told USA TODAY. Prices can change due to shifts in supply and demand, said Ortega. "For example, ocean temperature fluctuations can reduce lobster availability, pushing prices up. For beef, the impact of drought and herd reductions has been tightening supply, driving up costs. Increased demand for certain items, like lobster in the summer, can also drive up prices," he said. Are tariffs and other economic pressures causing MKT prices to be even more volatile? While tariffs are affecting prices for a variety of products, tariffs and global economic pressures have increased food price volatility, said Thomas. "New tariffs, supply chain disruptions, labor costs, and even climate-related factors all contribute to unpredictable swings in prices for ingredients, which make menu items with MKT pricing more volatile than ever," she said. The higher tariffs on imported food or ingredients can raise the cost for restaurants, said Ortega. Other challenges like labor shortages, rising input costs, and extreme weather can also affect prices, he said. The ease of the supply chain getting food products to the restaurant also affects pricing, said Phil Kafarakis, CEO of IFMA, The Food Away From Home Association. "Many restaurants are starting to manage their food costs by using 'market price' on their menu for their most expensive and unique items," Kafarakis told USA TODAY. "Also, market price can be the cause of not having an item or being out of stock on an item, so it is a very effective technique to manage the variability in food costs on a daily basis." What should you do when you see MKT? Consumers should always ask for the current price before ordering a MKT item, said Thomas. "While the practice allows restaurants to offer fresh, high-quality dishes, diners should not assume these dishes are affordable. Sometimes they are significantly higher than the average menu item." It is a completely normal and fair question to ask your server if you see MKT or MP on the menu, said Ortega. "That way, there are no surprises when you get the bill. In some cases, the cost can exceed expectations, so it's important to ask," he said. "Some servers may offer that information upfront, but that's not always the case." Ortega also adds: "If something is listed as 'market price', it doesn't necessarily mean it's overpriced. In some cases, when there is plenty of supply, you might actually get a deal." Are beef prices the new eggs?: Beef prices at all-time high: Why summer grilling costs a lot more this year What foods or other menu items are most likely to be listed as MKT price? Dishes most likely to be listed as MKT or MP are those with the most variable and seasonal ingredient costs, such as fresh seafood (like lobster, oysters, or fish), certain steaks, or specialty produce, said Thomas. These items depend on real-time market rates for freshness and availability, she said. Additionally, Ortega said market pricing can be on items with highly variable sourcing costs or limited supply, such as seafood, premium meats (like dry-aged or high-end steaks), specialty imports (like truffles and caviar), and in some cases, seasonal produce. Chef's specials or dishes built around highly seasonal ingredients may also be listed as market price, he said. Specialty vegetables and greens, "think truffles, both white and black," are also often listed as market price, said Kafarakis. "Traditionally, when in a high-end restaurant, there is a high likelihood you will see market price and perhaps a tasting menu of items that have been bundled for one meal cost," he said. Menold's advice for others? "Pay attention to details." She will be asking the MKT price in the future, "considering the fact I learned the hard way, I know what it means now." Betty Lin-Fisher is a consumer reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at blinfisher@ or follow her on X, Facebook or Instagram @blinfisher and @ on Bluesky. Sign up for our free The Daily Money newsletter, which will include consumer news on Fridays, here.
Time Magazine
23-07-2025
- Time Magazine
Why Ground Beef Prices Are Hitting Record-Highs in the U.S.
For many Americans, the cost of ground beef is starting to weigh down their weekly shopping baskets. Ground beef prices rose by 10.3% in June, when compared to the same time last year, surpassing $6 per pound. The price of steak rose by 12.4% within this period. 'Egg prices have been through a rollercoaster ride. And now with beef, we're seeing quite a significant price rise,' says David Ortega, a food economist and professor at Michigan State University. Earlier this year, egg prices skyrocketed, more than doubling in price in April when compared to March 2024. The sharp increase was caused by bird influenza outbreaks on American farms, which infected over 23 million birds that had to be culled. As of early July, egg prices have since fallen back down to $3.78 per dozen from $6.23 in April. Over the past 12 months, food prices as a whole have only risen by 2.7%, so what is causing this sharp increase in the price of ground beef? Here's a breakdown of what's behind the soaring prices: Cattle herd sizes are at a record low Although the demand for ground beef products remains high in the U.S., the supply is facing a squeeze. Cattle herd sizes are at the lowest they have been for almost 75 years, with just under 87 million cattle and calves recorded across the country at the start of 2025, according to the American Farmers Bureau Federation (AFBF). AFBF economist Bernt Nelson has said that prices for feed steers (cattle bred for slaughter) have reached record highs, encouraging farmers to sell their cattle for meat production instead of breeding. 'High cattle prices combined with the unpredictability of future prices and profitability could compel farmers to continue marketing a higher percentage of females for beef rather than breeding,' he said in a February blog post. And as farmers still struggle to make profit despite high prices, they may decide to sell off their remaining cattle due to slim margins. 'Even with these record high prices, margins for cattle farmers and ranchers are razor-thin thanks to continued elevated supply costs,' Nelson said in May. One of the main high costs getting in the way of sustainable profit for cattle ranchers is that of feed for their herds, and this links back to adverse weather conditions brought on by climate change. Read More: Why Were Eggs So Expensive in April? Drought driven by climate change 'One of the main drivers has been the effects of climate change on beef production in the U.S. This is something that doesn't cause prices to rise overnight, so there's a considerable lag involved,' says Ortega. A significant drought took place across the Great Plain states in 2022, forcing a lot of cattle farms to sell their livestock. 'What that [drought] does is erases feed for producers. There's less forage availability, so they sell a lot of their animals, because it becomes very costly to hold on to them,' Ortega notes. A lot of the sold livestock, often slaughtered and turned into beef products, includes 'breeding stock,' meaning that in the long-term there is less capacity to breed new cows to keep up with consumer demand. 'If you couple that with the strong demand for beef, and there has been strong demand in particular for ground beef, because it is a very familiar product to consumers, it really puts a lot of pressure on prices, and that's why we've seen the increases,' says Ortega. Uncertainty due to tariffs and concern over what might happen in the future Ortega says he believes that tariffs 'are starting to play a role' in the rise of beef prices. Despite a lot of domestic production, the U.S. still imports significant amounts of beef, particularly more lean trimmings. These trimmings are important for ground beef products. 'We import a lot of lean trimmings from countries like South Africa and Brazil, and that is in order to be able to blend this with our beef that tends to be fattier, and so we can make the proper blends in terms of fat content,' Ortega says. President Donald Trump threatened earlier this month to install a 50% tariff against Brazil for what he described as a 'witch hunt' against former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is facing allegations that he planned to stay in power despite losing the 2022 Brazilian election. 'If these do go into effect, or even higher tariffs [are implemented], then I think we're going to see a notable further increase on things like ground beef and hamburger meat,' Ortega says. Brazil, the world's largest exporter of beef, saw a rise in sales of meat to the U.S. this year after a trade war between Washington, D.C., and Beijing escalated. In May, Brazilian exports to the U.S. rose by 20%, and current imports from the country are almost double what they were in June 2024, according to the USDA. With beef imports rising by 10% over the past year, a higher U.S. dependency on the product from abroad puts it more at risk should tariffs increase, particularly on top exporters to the U.S., the largest being Canada. The U.S and Canada are currently in the midst of trade negotiations, with Trump most recently threatening a 35% tariff on all Canadian goods starting Aug. 1. Global supply chains of beef have already been disrupted as a result of looming trade wars. 'There is a tremendous amount of uncertainty on the policy and trade front,' Ortega says, arguing that it has contributed to such price increases. According to experts, even the slightest change within the beef market, as a result of tariffs, could further impact prices. 'Tariff-induced trade wars are sowing uncertainty for both ranchers and consumers alike. This has the potential to impact demand for beef, and even small changes in demand with such tight supplies could have a big impact on prices,' said Nelson. Read More: Why Tomatoes Are Becoming a Lot More Expensive How long will consumers feel the impact of these price increases? When asked about when grocery shoppers could see prices start to fall, Ortega calls this the 'million dollar question.' 'Our research shows that it could be four years or so before prices for the consumer start to stabilize,' Ortega says. Other price fluctuations, such as when eggs were reaching record-high prices earlier this year, were more 'predictable' as they were due to bird influenza outbreaks. But as there's more at play regarding the ground beef price hikes, it's harder to know when things will settle.
