The Student Body Scholarship Association (SBSA) was created as a much-needed student scholarship based organization. Nearly half of parents in the United States report they can't afford to send their children to college, especially if they have more than one.

Rising Tuition:

Since the early 1980s, the cost of college tuition has quadrupled. In the last two decades alone colleges and universities across the country have increased fees four times faster than inflation rates, even faster than increases in gasoline prices or healthcare, and there seems no end in sight. 

In 1988 it cost $12,811 to attend George Washington University in Washington D.C. That price included tuition, room and board. For the 2011-2012 semesters GW's tuition along with room and board soared to $54,730, up $2,743 from just two years ago. As you can imagine, and may well know firsthand, paying for a college education (not to mention two or three of them) can be a tremendous strain on a family's finances.

If you are a veteran of a public university, the jump in tuition at your alma mater might be downright mind-numbing. Tuition at the University of California, Berkeley, was about $700 a year back in the 1970s. Today, U.C. Berkeley students have to shell out over $15,000 per year. That's a 2,000 percent increase. (See the top 100 most expensive colleges!)  

We realize how important a college education is not only to the student but for our nations the future as well. College is a necessity, not a luxury or an option. Census Bureau data points out a clear link between education level and finances. Both male and female college graduates earn significantly more than high school graduates, and it's been shown that income rises faster among people who have higher education. However, far too many students may never  realize their full potential simply because they lack the resources to further their education.

Social activities is also a big part of college life. Exploring a fraternity or sorority, supporting your schools athletic teams, eating at the campus, getting involved in other popular student activities and intertwining with people from different walks of life are crucial in becoming a well rounded adult. Going to college is as much about finding out who you really are as it is about getting that degree.