By Amber Leifheit

MACF Executive Director

MARSHFIELD — With the cost of a college education escalating, scholarships are more important than ever. According to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the estimated cost for a Wisconsin resident to attend the college for the 2015-2016 academic year was $24,736, including tuition, room and board, and fees. The College Board reports the average cost at a private college is $47,831.

According to the College Board, these price tags have increased 3 percent over the past year and close to 15 percent over the past five years. Of course, that is not the total price. Students still have to buy books and supplies, do their laundry, and pay for the occasional pizza.

The Institute for College Access and Success reports that the average debt of a graduating senior from a college in Wisconsin was $28,810 and that 70 percent of all students had debt. Bottom line: College is expensive, and the price is increasing.

The Marshfield Area Community Foundation publicizes the scholarships we and others offer to ensure that there is a good field of applicants and as a public service.

We have published our Scholarship Bulletin for the past 12 years to help scholarship seekers find the money that is being offered by local community groups, individuals, foundations, and businesses. The Marshfield Area Community Foundation manages over 52 scholarships itself.

We believe every high school student and every nontraditional student should take advantage of the generosity our community offers. Groups see giving scholarships as an investment in the future of our community. The families, individuals, organizations, and businesses that sponsor these scholarships and are providing these opportunities are very proud of the impact they are making on the lives of central Wisconsin students.

About 400 scholarships are listed in the bulletin and are for graduates of high schools in Auburndale, Abbotsford, Colby, Columbus Catholic High School, Granton, Greenwood, Loyal, Marshfield High School, Neillsville, Pittsville, Spencer, and Stratford. In addition, a number of scholarships are offered to students at any of the area schools.

This bulletin is prepared with the help of guidance counselors and student service personnel throughout the area. This bulletin would not be possible without their contributions. The Hub City Times/Buyers’ Guide printed this bulletin, and it is available in high school guidance areas and at marshfieldareacommunityfoundation.org.