How Poor Boys and Girls Go to College

"Can I afford to go to college?" asks many an American youth who has hardly a dollar to his name and who knows that a college course means years of sacrifice and struggle.

"Can I afford to go to college?" Many young Americans ask this question. They have hardly a dollar to their name and know that college means years of sacrifice and struggle.

It seems a great hardship, indeed, for a young man with an ambition to do something in the world to be compelled to pay his own way through school and college by hard work. But history shows us that the men who have led in the van of human progress have been, as a rule, self-educated, self-made.

It can seem very hard for an ambitious young man to pay his own way through school and college by working hard. But history shows that the men who have led human progress have usually educated themselves and made their own way.

The average boy of to-day who wishes to obtain a liberal education has a better chance by a hundredfold than had Daniel Webster or James A. Garfield. There is scarcely one in good health who reads these lines but can be assured that if he will he may. Here, as elsewhere, the will can usually make the way, and never before was there so many avenues of resource open to the strong will, the inflexible purpose, as there are to-day—at this hour and this moment.

The average boy today who wants a broad education has a hundred times better chance than Daniel Webster or James A. Garfield had. Almost anyone in good health who reads these lines can be sure that if he has the will, he can succeed. Here, as elsewhere, the will can usually make a way. And never before have so many resources been open to those with a strong will and firm purpose as today, at this very moment.

"Of the five thousand persons—students,—directly connected with Harvard University," writes a graduate, "five hundred are students entirely or almost entirely dependent upon their own resources. They are not a poverty-stricken lot, however, for half of them make an income above the average allowance of boys in smaller colleges. From $700 to $1,000 are by no means exceptional yearly earnings of a student who is capable of doing newspaper work or tutoring,—branches of employment that pay well at Harvard.

"Of the five thousand students directly connected with Harvard University," writes a graduate, "five hundred depend entirely or almost entirely on their own resources. They are not poverty-stricken, however. Half of them earn more than the average allowance of boys at smaller colleges. A student capable of newspaper work or tutoring can earn $700 to $1,000 a year without being exceptional. Both kinds of work pay well at Harvard.

"There are some men that make much more. A classmate of the writer entered college with about twenty-five dollars. As a freshman he had a hard struggle. In his junior year, however, he prospered and in his last ten months of undergraduate work he cleared above his college expenses, which were none too low, upward of $3,000.

"Some men earn much more. A classmate of mine entered college with about twenty-five dollars. He struggled during his freshman year. But he prospered in his junior year. During his last ten months as an undergraduate, he earned more than $3,000 beyond his college expenses. Those expenses were not low.

"He made his money by advertising schemes and other publishing ventures. A few months after graduation he married. He is now living comfortably in Cambridge."

"He made his money through advertising schemes and other publishing ventures. A few months after he graduated, he married. He now lives comfortably in Cambridge."

A son of poor parents, living in Springfield, New York, worked his way through an academy. This only whetted his appetite for knowledge, and he determined to advance, relying wholly on himself for success. Accordingly, he proceeded to Schenectady, and arranged with a professor of Union College to pay for his tuition by working. He rented a small room, which served for study and home, the expense of his bread-and-milk diet never exceeding fifty cents a week. After graduation, he turned his attention to civil engineering, and, later, to the construction of iron bridges of his own design. He procured many valuable patents, and amassed a fortune. His life was a success, the foundation being self-reliance and integrity.

The son of poor parents in Springfield, New York, worked his way through an academy. His education only increased his hunger for knowledge. He decided to continue, relying entirely on himself to succeed. So he went to Schenectady and arranged to work for a Union College professor to pay for his tuition. He rented a small room where he lived and studied. His diet of bread and milk never cost more than fifty cents a week. After graduation, he turned to civil engineering and later built iron bridges of his own design. He obtained many valuable patents and made a fortune. His life was a success, built on self-reliance and integrity.

Albert J. Beveridge, the junior United States Senator from Indiana, entered college with no other capital than fifty dollars loaned to him by a friend. He served as steward of a college club, and added to his original fund of fifty dollars by taking the freshman essay prize of twenty-five dollars. When summer came, he returned to work in the harvest fields and broke the wheat-cutting records of the county. He carried his books with him morning, noon and night, and studied persistently. When he returned to college he began to be recognized as an exceptional man. He had shaped his course and worked to it.

Albert J. Beveridge, the junior United States Senator from Indiana, entered college with only fifty dollars borrowed from a friend. He worked as the manager of a college club. He added twenty-five dollars to his original fifty dollars by winning the freshman essay prize. When summer came, he returned to work in the harvest fields and broke the county’s wheat-cutting records. He carried his books with him morning, noon, and night, and studied persistently. When he returned to college, people began to recognize him as an exceptional man. He had chosen his path and worked toward his goal.

The president of his class at Columbia University recently earned the money to pay for his course by selling agricultural implements. One of his classmates, by the savings of two years' work as a farm laborer, and money earned by tutoring, writing, and copying done after study hours, not only paid his way through college, but helped to support his aged parents. He believed that he could afford a college training and he got it.

The class president at Columbia University recently paid for his education by selling farm equipment. One of his classmates had saved money from two years of work as a farm laborer. He also earned money after study hours by tutoring, writing, and copying. With this money, he paid his way through college and helped support his elderly parents. He believed he could afford a college education, and he got one.

At Chicago University many hundreds of plucky young men are working their way. The ways of earning money are various, depending upon the opportunities for work, and the student's ability and adaptability. To be a correspondent of city daily papers is the most coveted occupation, but only a few can obtain such positions. Some dozen or more teach night school. Several teach in the public schools in the daytime, and do their university work in the afternoons and evenings, so as to take their degrees. Scores carry daily papers, by which they earn two and one-half to three and one-half dollars a week; but, as this does not pay expenses, they add other employments. A few find evening work in the city library. Some attend to lawns in summer and furnaces in winter; by having several of each to care for, they earn from five to ten dollars a week. Many are waiters at clubs and restaurants. Some solicit advertisements. The divinity students, after the first year, preach in small towns. Several are tutors. Two young men made twelve hundred dollars apiece, in this way, in one year. One student is a member of a city orchestra, earning twelve dollars a week. A few serve in the university postoffice, and receive twenty cents an hour.

At Chicago University, many hundreds of determined young men are working their way through school. They earn money in various ways, depending on available work and each student's abilities and adaptability. The most sought-after job is reporting for city daily newspapers, but only a few can get such positions. A dozen or more teach night school. Several teach in public schools during the day. They do their university work in the afternoons and evenings so they can earn their degrees. Scores deliver daily newspapers, earning two dollars and fifty cents to three dollars and fifty cents a week. But that is not enough to cover their expenses, so they take other jobs too. A few find evening work in the city library. Some care for lawns in summer and furnaces in winter. By taking care of several of each, they earn five to ten dollars a week. Many work as waiters at clubs and restaurants. Some sell advertising. After their first year, divinity students preach in small towns. Several students work as tutors. Two young men each earned twelve hundred dollars tutoring in one year. One student is a member of a city orchestra, earning twelve dollars a week. A few work in the university post office and receive twenty cents an hour.

A representative American college president recently said: "I regard it as, on the whole, a distinct advantage that a student should have to pay his own way in part as a condition of obtaining a college education. It gives a reality and vigor to one's work which is less likely to be obtained by those who are carried through college. I do not regard it, however, as desirable that one should have to work his own way entirely, as the tax upon strength and time is likely to be such as to interfere with scholarship and to undermine health."

A representative American college president recently said: "I believe it is, on the whole, a clear advantage for students to pay part of their own way through college. It gives their work a sense of purpose and energy that students whose expenses are paid are less likely to gain. However, I do not think students should have to pay their entire way. The demands on their time and strength are likely to interfere with their studies and undermine their health."

Circumstances have rarely favored great men. A lowly beginning is no bar to a great career. The boy who works his way through college may have a hard time of it, but he will learn how to work his way in life, and will often take higher rank in school, and in after life, than his classmate who is the son of a millionaire. It is the son and daughter of the farmer, the mechanic and the operative, the great average class of our country, whose funds are small and opportunities few, that the republic will depend on most for good citizenship and brains in the future. The problem of securing a good education, where means are limited and time short, is of great importance both to the individual and the nation. Encouragement and useful hints are offered by the experience of many bright young people who have worked their way to diplomas worthily bestowed.

Circumstances have rarely favored great men. A humble beginning is no barrier to a great career. A boy who works his way through college may have a hard time. But he will learn how to make his way in life. He will often rank higher in school and later in life than a classmate whose father is a millionaire. In the future, the republic will depend most on the sons and daughters of farmers, mechanics, and workers. These are the great average class of our country, with little money and few opportunities. The republic will depend on them for good citizenship and intelligence. Getting a good education with limited money and time is a crucial problem for both individuals and the nation. Many bright young people have worked their way to diplomas they deserved. Their experiences offer encouragement and useful advice.

Gaius B. Frost was graduated at the Brattleboro, Vt., High School, taught district schools six terms, and entered Dartmouth College with just money enough to pay the first necessary expenses. He worked in gardens and as a janitor for some time. During his course he taught six terms as principal of a high school, and one year as assistant superintendent in the Essex County Truant School, at Lawrence, Mass., pushed a rolling chair at the Columbian Exposition, Chicago, was porter one season at Oak Hill House, Littleton, N. H., and canvassed for a publishing house one summer in Maine. None of his fellow-students did more to secure an education.

Gaius B. Frost graduated from Brattleboro High School in Vermont and taught in district schools for six terms. He entered Dartmouth College with just enough money to cover his first necessary expenses. For a time, he worked in gardens and as a janitor. During college, he served six terms as a high school principal. He also spent a year as assistant superintendent at the Essex County Truant School in Lawrence, Massachusetts. He pushed a rolling chair at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago. He worked one season as a porter at Oak Hill House in Littleton, New Hampshire. One summer, he canvassed for a publishing house in Maine. None of his fellow students did more to get an education.

Isaac J. Cox of Philadelphia worked his way through Kimball Academy, Meriden, N. H., and through Dartmouth College, doing many kinds of work. There was no honest work within the limits of his ability that he would not undertake to pay his way. He served summers as waiter in a White Mountain hotel, finally becoming head-waiter. Like Mr. Frost, he ranked well in his classes, and is a young man of solid character and distinguished attainments.

Isaac J. Cox of Philadelphia worked his way through Kimball Academy in Meriden, N. H., and Dartmouth College. He did many kinds of work to pay his way. He was willing to do any honest work he was capable of doing. He worked summers as a waiter at a White Mountain hotel and eventually became head waiter. Like Mr. Frost, he did well in his classes. He is a young man of solid character and distinguished accomplishments.

For four years Richard Weil was noted as the great prize winner of Columbia College, and for "turning his time, attention and energy to any work that would bring remuneration." He would do any honest work that would bring cash,—and every cent of this money as well as every hour not spent in sleep throughout the four years of his college course was devoted to getting his education.

For four years, Richard Weil was known as Columbia College's great prizewinner. He was also known for "turning his time, attention and energy to any work that would bring pay." He would do any honest work that paid cash. Throughout his four years in college, he devoted every cent he earned to his education. He also devoted every waking hour to it.

All these and many more from the ranks of the bright and well-trained young men who have been graduated from the colleges and universities of the country in recent years believed—sincerely, doggedly believed—that a college training was something that they must have. The question of whether or not they could afford it does not appear to have occasioned much hesitancy on their part. It is evident that they did not for one instant think that they could not afford to go to college.

All these men, and many more, were among the bright, well-trained young men who had recently graduated from the country’s colleges and universities. They sincerely and stubbornly believed that they needed a college education. Whether they could afford it does not seem to have made them hesitate. Clearly, they never thought for a moment that they could not afford to go to college.

In an investigation conducted to ascertain exact figures and facts which a poor boy must meet in working his way through college, it was found that, in a list of forty-five representative colleges and universities, having a student population of somewhat over forty thousand, the average expense per year is three hundred and four dollars; the average maximum expense, five hundred and twenty-nine dollars. In some of the smaller colleges the minimum expense per year is from seventy-five dollars to one hundred and ten dollars. There are many who get along on an expenditure of from one hundred and fifty dollars to two hundred dollars per year, while the maximum expense rises in but few instances above one thousand dollars.

A study sought exact figures and facts about the costs a poor boy must meet while working his way through college. It examined 45 representative colleges and universities with a combined student population of just over 40,000. The average yearly expense was $304, and the average maximum expense was $529. At some smaller colleges, the minimum yearly expense was between $75 and $110. Many students got by on $150 to $200 a year, while the maximum expense exceeded $1,000 in only a few cases.

In Western and Southern colleges the averages are lower. For example, eighteen well-known Western colleges and universities have a general average expense of two hundred and forty-two dollars per year, while fourteen as well-known Eastern institutions give an average expense of four hundred and forty-four dollars.

Average expenses are lower at Western and Southern colleges. For example, eighteen well-known Western colleges and universities have an average annual expense of $242. Fourteen equally well-known Eastern institutions have an average annual expense of $444.

Statistics of expense, and the opportunities for self-help, at some of the best known Eastern institutions are full of interest:

The costs and opportunities for self-help at some of the best-known Eastern institutions are very interesting:

Amherst makes a free gift of the tuition to prospective ministers; has one hundred tuition scholarships for other students of good character, habits, and standing; has some free rooms; makes loans at low rates; students have chances to earn money at tutoring, table-waiting, shorthand, care of buildings, newspaper correspondence, agencies for laundries, sale of books, etc. Five hundred dollars a year will defray all necessary expenses.

Amherst offers free tuition to students preparing for the ministry. It has one hundred tuition scholarships for other students of good character, habits, and academic standing. It also offers some free rooms and low-interest loans. Students can earn money through tutoring, waiting tables, shorthand work, building maintenance, newspaper reporting, laundry agency work, book sales, and other jobs. Five hundred dollars a year will cover all necessary expenses.

Bowdoin has nearly a hundred scholarships, fifty dollars to seventy-five dollars a year: "no limits placed on habits or social privileges of recipients;" students getting employment in the library or laboratories can earn about one-fourth of their expenses; these will be, for the college year, three hundred dollars to four hundred dollars.

Bowdoin has nearly a hundred scholarships, each worth $50 to $75 a year. There are "no limits placed on habits or social privileges of recipients." Students who work in the library or laboratories can earn about one-fourth of their expenses. Expenses for the college year range from $300 to $400.

Brown University has over a hundred tuition scholarships and a loan fund; often remits room rent in return for services about the college buildings; requires studiousness and economy in the case of assisted students. Many students earn money in various ways. The average yearly expenditure is five hundred dollars.

Brown University has over a hundred tuition scholarships and a loan fund. It often waives room rent in exchange for work around the college buildings. Students who receive assistance must study hard and spend carefully. Many students earn money in various ways. The average yearly expense is five hundred dollars.

The cost at Columbia University averages five hundred and forty-seven dollars, the lowest being three hundred and eighty-seven dollars. A great many students who know how to get on in a great city work their way through Columbia.

The cost at Columbia University averages $547, with the lowest cost being $387. Many students who know how to manage in a big city work their way through Columbia.

Cornell University gives free tuition and free rooms to seniors and juniors of good standing in their studies and of good habits. It has thirty-six two-year scholarships (two hundred dollars), for freshmen, won by success in competitive examination. It has also five hundred and twelve state tuition scholarships. Many students support themselves in part by waiting on table, by shorthand, newspaper work, etc. The average yearly expenditure per student is five hundred dollars.

Cornell University offers free tuition and rooms to juniors and seniors with good grades and good habits. It offers 36 two-year scholarships worth $200 to freshmen who succeed in a competitive exam. It also offers 512 state tuition scholarships. Many students help support themselves by waiting tables, doing shorthand, working for newspapers, and other jobs. The average student spends $500 per year.

Dartmouth has some three hundred scholarships; those above fifty dollars conditioned on class rank; some rooms at nominal rent; requirements, economy and total abstinence; work of one sort or another to be had by needy students; a few get through on less than two hundred and fifty dollars a year; the average expenditure is about four hundred dollars.

Dartmouth has about three hundred scholarships. Those worth more than fifty dollars depend on class rank. Some rooms are available for a small rent. Students are expected to live economically and abstain completely from alcohol. Students in need can find various kinds of work. A few get through on less than two hundred and fifty dollars a year. The average expense is about four hundred dollars.

Harvard has about two hundred and seventy-five scholarships, sixty dollars to four hundred dollars apiece, large beneficiary and loan funds, distributed or loaned in sums of forty dollars to two hundred and fifty dollars to needy and promising under-graduates; freshmen (usually) barred; a faculty employment committee; some students earning money as stenographers, typewriters, reporters, private tutors, clerks, canvassers, and singers; yearly expenditure (exclusive of clothes, washing, books, and stationery, laboratory charges, membership in societies, subscriptions and service), three hundred and fifty-eight dollars to one thousand and thirty-five dollars.

Harvard has about 275 scholarships, each worth $60 to $400. It also has substantial financial aid and loan funds for needy, promising undergraduates. These funds are given or loaned in amounts from $40 to $250. Freshmen are usually not eligible. A faculty committee helps students find work. Some students earn money as stenographers, typists, reporters, private tutors, clerks, canvassers, and singers. Annual expenses range from $358 to $1,035. This does not include clothing, laundry, books, stationery, laboratory fees, society memberships, subscriptions, or service.

The University of Pennsylvania in a recent year gave three hundred and fifteen students forty-three thousand, two hundred and forty-two dollars in free scholarships and fellowships; no requirements except good standing. No money loaned, no free rooms. Many students support themselves in part, and a few wholly. The average expenditure per year, exclusive of clothes, railway fares, etc., is four hundred and fifty dollars.

In a recent year, the University of Pennsylvania gave 315 students $43,242 in free scholarships and fellowships. The only requirement was good standing. The university offered no loans or free rooms. Many students partly support themselves, and a few support themselves entirely. The average yearly expense is $450, not including clothes, train fares, and similar costs.

Wesleyan University remits tuition wholly or in part to two-thirds of its under-graduates. Loan funds are available. "Beneficiaries must be frugal in habits, total abstainers, and maintain good standing and conduct." Many students are self-supporting, thirty-five per cent of the whole undergraduate body earning money. The yearly expenditure is three hundred and twenty-five dollars.

Wesleyan University waives all or part of the tuition for two-thirds of its undergraduates. Loan funds are available. "Recipients must be frugal, abstain entirely from alcohol, and maintain good academic standing and conduct." Many students support themselves. Thirty-five percent of all undergraduates earn money. Yearly expenses are $325.

Yale is pretty well off now for fellowships and prizes; remits all but forty dollars of term bills, in case of worthy students, regular in attendance and studious; many such students earning money for themselves; average yearly expenditure, about six hundred dollars.

Yale now has a good number of fellowships and prizes. It waives all but forty dollars of term fees for deserving students who attend regularly and study hard. Many such students earn money for themselves. The average yearly expense is about six hundred dollars.

There is a splendid chance for girls at some of the soundest and best known girls' colleges in the United States.

Girls have a great opportunity at some of the most reputable and best-known girls' colleges in the United States.

The number of girls in the University of Michigan who are paying their own way is large. "Most of them," says Dr. Eliza M. Mosher, woman's dean of the college, "have earned the money by teaching. It is not unusual for students to come here for two years and go away for a time, in order to earn money to complete the course. Some of our most worthy graduates have done this. Some lighten their expenses by waiting on tables in boarding-houses, thus paying for their board. Others get room and board in the homes of professors by giving, daily, three hours of service about the house. A few take care of children, two or three hours a day, in the families of the faculty. One young woman, who is especially brave and in good earnest, worked as a chambermaid on a lake steamer last year and hurried away this year to do the same. It is her aim to earn one hundred dollars. With this sum, and a chance to pay for room and board by giving service, she will pay the coming year's expenses. Because it is especially difficult to obtain good servants in this inland town, there are a few people who are glad to give the college girls such employment."

Many women at the University of Michigan are paying their own way. "Most of them," says Dr. Eliza M. Mosher, the college's dean of women, "have earned the money by teaching. Students often come here for two years, then leave for a time to earn money to finish their studies. Some of our most deserving graduates have done this. Some reduce their expenses by waiting tables in boarding houses to pay for their meals. Others get room and board in professors' homes by doing three hours of housework each day. A few care for faculty members' children for two or three hours a day. "One especially brave and determined young woman worked as a chambermaid on a lake steamer last year. This year, she hurried away to do the same work. She aims to earn one hundred dollars. With that money, and a chance to work in exchange for room and board, she will cover the coming year's expenses. Good servants are especially hard to find in this inland town, so a few people are glad to employ college women in these ways."

"It is my opinion," said Miss Mary E. Woolley, president of Mount Holyoke College, "that, if a girl with average intelligence and energy wishes a college education, she can obtain it. As far as I know, the girls who have earned money to pay their way through college, at least in part, have accomplished it by tutoring, typewriting or stenography. Some of them earn pin-money while in college by tutoring, typewriting, sewing, summer work in libraries and offices, and in various little ways such as putting up lunches, taking care of rooms, executing commissions, and newspaper work. There are not many opportunities at Mount Holyoke to earn large amounts of money, but pin-money may be acquired in many little ways by a girl of ingenuity."

"In my opinion," said Miss Mary E. Woolley, president of Mount Holyoke College, "a girl with average intelligence and energy can get a college education if she wants one. As far as I know, girls who have earned money to pay at least part of their college costs have done so through tutoring, typing, or stenography. Some earn extra spending money while in college by tutoring, typing, sewing, or working in libraries and offices during the summer. They also earn money in small ways, such as preparing lunches, taking care of rooms, running errands, and working for newspapers. There are not many opportunities to earn large amounts of money at Mount Holyoke. But a resourceful girl can earn extra spending money in many small ways."

The system of compulsory domestic service obtaining now at Mount Holyoke—whereby, in return for thirty, or at the most, fifty minutes a day of light household labor, every student reduces her college expenses by a hundred dollars or a hundred and fifty,—was formerly in use at Wellesley; now, however, it is confined there to a few cottages. It has no foothold at Bryn Mawr, Smith and Vassar, or at the affiliated colleges, Barnard and Radcliffe.

Mount Holyoke now requires students to do light housework for thirty to fifty minutes a day. In return, each student reduces her college expenses by a hundred or a hundred and fifty dollars. Wellesley once used the same system, but now it is limited to a few cottages there. The system is not used at Bryn Mawr, Smith, Vassar, or the affiliated colleges, Barnard and Radcliffe.

At city colleges, like the last two mentioned, board and lodging cost more than in the country; and in general it is more difficult for a girl to pay any large part of her expenses through her own efforts and carry on her college work at the same time.

At city colleges, like the last two mentioned, room and board cost more than in the country. In general, it is also harder for a girl to pay a large part of her expenses while attending college.

A number of girls in Barnard are, however, paying for their clothes, books, car fares, etc., by doing what work they can find. Tutoring in Barnard is seldom available for the undergraduates, because the lists are always full of experienced teachers, who can be engaged by the hour. Typewriting is one of the favorite resources. One student has done particularly well as agent for a firm that makes college caps and gowns. Another girl, a Russian Jewess, from the lower East Side, New York, runs a little "sweat shop," where she keeps a number of women busy making women's wrappers and children's dresses. She has paid all the expenses of her education in this way.

A number of girls at Barnard, however, pay for their clothes, books, car fares, and other expenses by doing whatever work they can find. Undergraduates at Barnard rarely have opportunities to tutor because the lists are always full of experienced teachers available by the hour. Typing is one of the students’ favorite ways to earn money. One student has done especially well as an agent for a company that makes college caps and gowns. Another girl, a Russian Jewess from New York’s Lower East Side, runs a small "sweat shop." There, she employs several women to make women’s house dresses and children’s dresses. She has paid all her education expenses this way.

"Do any of your students work their way through?" was asked of a Bryn Mawr authority.

"Do any of your students work to pay their way through college?" someone asked a Bryn Mawr official.

"Some,—to a certain extent," was the reply; "but not many. The lowest entire expenses of a year, are between four hundred and five hundred and fifty dollars. This amount includes positively everything. Two girls may pay part of their expenses by taking charge of the library, and by selling stationery; another, by distributing the mail, and others by 'tutoring'. Those who 'tutor' receive a dollar, a dollar and a half, and sometimes a very good one receives two dollars and a half, a lesson. But to earn all of one's way in a college year, and at the same time to keep up in all the studies, is almost impossible, and is not often done. Yet several are able to pay half their way."

"Some can, to a certain extent," was the reply, "but not many. The lowest total expenses for a year are between four hundred and five hundred and fifty dollars. That amount includes absolutely everything. Two girls may pay part of their expenses by managing the library and selling stationery. Another may do so by distributing the mail, and others by 'tutoring'. Those who 'tutor' receive one dollar or a dollar and a half per lesson. Sometimes a very good tutor receives two dollars and a half per lesson. But earning enough to pay all of one's expenses for a college year while keeping up with all one's studies is almost impossible. It is not often done. Yet several are able to pay half their expenses."

A similar question put to a Vassar student brought the following response:

A Vassar student gave the following response to a similar question:

"Why, yes, I know a girl who has a sign on the door of her room,—'Dresses pressed,'—and she earns a good deal of money, too. Of course, there are many wealthy girls here who are always having something like that done, and who are willing to pay well for it. And so this girl makes a large sum of money, evenings and Saturdays.

"Why, yes, I know a girl who has a sign on her room door that says 'Dresses pressed.' She earns a good deal of money, too. Of course, many wealthy girls here often have their dresses pressed and are willing to pay well for it. So this girl makes a lot of money on evenings and Saturdays.

"There are other girls who are agents for two of the great manufacturers of chocolate creams.

"Other girls work as agents for two major chocolate cream manufacturers.

"The girl that plays the piano for the exercises in the gymnasium is paid for that, and some of the girls paint and make fancy articles, which they sell here, or send to the stores in New York, to be sold. Some of them write for the newspapers and magazines, too, and still others have pupils in music, etc., in Poughkeepsie. Yes, there are a great many girls who manage to pay most of their expenses."

“The girl who plays piano for the gym exercises is paid for it. Some of the girls paint and make decorative items. They sell these here or send them to stores in New York to be sold. Some also write for newspapers and magazines. Still others teach music and other subjects to pupils in Poughkeepsie. Yes, many girls manage to pay most of their expenses.”

Typewriting, tutoring, assistance rendered in library or laboratory or office, furnish help to many a girl who wishes to help herself, in nearly every college. Beside these standard employments, teaching in evening schools occasionally offers a good opportunity for steady eking out of means.

At nearly every college, many young women support themselves by typing, tutoring, or assisting in libraries, laboratories, or offices. Besides these common jobs, teaching in evening schools occasionally offers a good opportunity to supplement their income steadily.

In many colleges there is opportunity for a girl with taste and cunning fingers to act as a dressmaker, repairer, and general refurnisher to students with generous allowances. Orders for gymnasium suits and swimming suits mean good profits. The reign of the shirt-waist has been a boon to many, for the well-dressed girl was never known to have enough pretty ones, and by a judicious display of attractive samples she is easily tempted to enlarge her supply. Then, too, any girl who is at all deft in the art of sewing can make a shirt-waist without a professional knowledge of cutting and fitting.

At many colleges, a girl with good taste and skillful hands can sew, repair, and refresh clothing for students with generous allowances. Orders for gym and swimming suits can bring good profits. The popularity of shirtwaists has been a blessing to many. A well-dressed girl never seems to have enough pretty ones. A careful display of attractive samples can easily tempt her to buy more. Also, any girl who is reasonably handy with a needle can make a shirtwaist without professional training in cutting and fitting.

No boy or girl in America to-day who has good health, good morals and good grit need despair of getting a college education unless there are extremely unusual reasons against the undertaking.

No boy or girl in America today who has good health, good morals, and determination need give up hope of getting a college education, unless there are extremely unusual reasons not to pursue one.

West of the Alleghanies a college education is accessible to all classes. In most of the state universities tuition is free. In Kansas, for example, board and a room can be had for twelve dollars a month; the college fees are five dollars a year, while the average expenditure of the students does not exceed two hundred dollars per annum. In Ohio, the state university has abolished all tuition fees; and most of the denominational colleges demand fees even lower than were customary in New England half a century ago. Partly by reason of the cheapness of a college education in Ohio, that state now sends more students to college than all of New England. Yet if the total cost is less in the West, on the other hand, the opportunities for self-help are correspondingly more in the East. Every young man or woman should weigh the matter well before concluding that a college education is out of the question.

West of the Alleghanies, a college education is accessible to people of all classes. Most state universities charge no tuition. In Kansas, for example, room and board cost twelve dollars a month, and college fees are five dollars a year. Students spend an average of no more than two hundred dollars a year. In Ohio, the state university has abolished all tuition fees. Most religious colleges charge even lower fees than were usual in New England fifty years ago. Partly because college is inexpensive in Ohio, the state now sends more students to college than all of New England. Yet although the total cost is lower in the West, there are correspondingly more opportunities to support yourself in the East. Every young man or woman should think carefully before deciding that a college education is out of the question.

Former President Tucker of Dartmouth says: "The student who works his way may do it with ease and profit; or he may be seriously handicapped both by his necessities and the time he is obliged to bestow on outside matters. I have seen the sons of rich men lead in scholarship, and the sons of poor men. Poverty under most of the conditions in which we find it in colleges is a spur. Dartmouth College, I think, furnishes a good example. The greater part of its patronage is from poor men. Without examining the statistics, I should say, from facts that have fallen under my observation, that a larger percentage of Dartmouth men have risen to distinction than those of almost any other American college."

Former President Tucker of Dartmouth says: "A student who works to pay for college may do so easily and benefit from it. Or his financial needs and the time he must spend on outside work may seriously hold him back. I have seen both rich men's sons and poor men's sons lead in their studies. Under most college conditions, poverty is a spur to achievement. I think Dartmouth College provides a good example. Most of its students come from poor families. I have not examined the statistics, but I have observed certain facts. Based on those facts, I would say a larger percentage of Dartmouth men have achieved distinction than those of almost any other American college."

The opportunities of to-day are tenfold what they were half a century ago. Former President Schurman of Cornell says of his early life: "At the age of thirteen I left home. I hadn't definite plans as to my future. I merely wanted to get into a village, and to earn some money.

There are ten times as many opportunities today as there were fifty years ago. Former President Schurman of Cornell says of his early life: "I left home at thirteen. I had no definite plans for my future. I just wanted to get to a village and earn some money.

"My father got me a place in the nearest town,—Summerside,—a village of about one thousand inhabitants. For my first year's work I was to receive thirty dollars and my board. Think of that, young men of to-day! Thirty dollars a year for working from seven in the morning until ten at night! But I was glad to get the place. It was a start in the world, and the little village was like a city to my country eyes.

“My father found me a job in the nearest town, Summerside, a village of about one thousand people. For my first year’s work, I was to receive thirty dollars and room and board. Think of that, young men of today! Thirty dollars a year for working from seven in the morning until ten at night! But I was glad to get the job. It was a start in the world, and the little village seemed like a city to my country eyes.

"From the time I began working in the store until to-day, I have always supported myself, and during all the years of my boyhood I never received a penny that I did not earn myself. At the end of my first year, I went to a larger store in the same town, where I was to receive sixty dollars a year and my board. My salary was doubled; I was getting on swimmingly.

"From the time I started working in the store until today, I have always supported myself. Throughout my boyhood, I never received a penny I had not earned myself. At the end of my first year, I moved to a larger store in the same town. There, I was to receive sixty dollars a year and room and board. My salary had doubled. I was doing wonderfully.

"I kept this place for two years, and then I gave it up, against the wishes of my employer, because I had made up my mind that I wanted to get a better education. I determined to go to college.

"I held this job for two years. Then I quit, against my employer's wishes, because I wanted a better education. I decided to go to college.

"I did not know how I was going to do this, except that it must be by my own efforts. I had saved about eighty dollars from my store-keeping, and that was all the money I had in the world.

"I did not know how I would do this, except that I had to do it through my own efforts. I had saved about eighty dollars from running my store. That was all the money I had in the world.

"When I told my employer of my plan, he tried to dissuade me from it. He pointed out the difficulties in the way of my going to college, and offered to double my pay if I would stay in the store.

"When I told my employer about my plan, he tried to talk me out of it. He pointed out the difficulties I would face in going to college. He also offered to double my pay if I stayed at the store.

"That was the turning-point in my life. In one side was the certainty of one hundred and twenty dollars a year, and the prospect of promotion as fast as I deserved it. Remember what one hundred and twenty dollars meant on Prince Edward Island, and to me, a poor boy who had never possessed such a sum in his life. On the other side was my hope of obtaining an education. I knew that it involved hard work and self-denial, and there was the possibility of failure in the end. But my mind was made up. I would not turn back. I need not say that I do not regret that early decision, although I think that I should have made a successful storekeeper.

"That was the turning point in my life. On one side was a guaranteed income of one hundred and twenty dollars a year. I could also expect to be promoted as quickly as I deserved. Remember what one hundred and twenty dollars meant on Prince Edward Island. And remember what it meant to me, a poor boy who had never possessed that much money. On the other side was my hope of getting an education. I knew that would mean hard work and self-denial. I might still fail in the end. But I had made up my mind. I would not turn back. I need hardly say that I do not regret that early decision, though I think I would have been a successful storekeeper."

"With my capital of eighty dollars, I began to attend the village high school, to get my preparation for college. I had only one year to do it in. My money would not last longer than that. I recited in Latin, Greek, and algebra, all on the same day, and for the next forty weeks I studied harder than I ever had before or have since. At the end of the year I entered the competitive examination for a scholarship in Prince of Wales College, at Charlottetown, on the Island. I had small hope of winning it, my preparation had been so hasty and incomplete. But when the result was announced, I found that I had not only won the scholarship from my county, but stood first of all the competitors on the Island.

"With my eighty dollars, I began attending the village high school to prepare for college. I had only one year to prepare. My money would not last longer than that. I took Latin, Greek, and algebra classes all on the same day. For the next forty weeks, I studied harder than I ever had before or have since. At the end of the year, I took the competitive exam for a scholarship at Prince of Wales College in Charlottetown, on the Island. I had little hope of winning because my preparation had been so rushed and incomplete. But when the results were announced, I found that I had won the scholarship for my county. I had also ranked first among all the competitors on the Island.

"The scholarship I had won amounted to only sixty dollars a year. It seems little enough, but I can say now, after nearly thirty years, that the winning of it was the greatest success I ever have had. I have had other rewards, which, to most persons, would seem immeasurably greater, but with this difference: that first success was essential; without it I could not have gone on. The others I could have done without, if it had been necessary."

"The scholarship I won was worth only sixty dollars a year. That may seem like very little. But now, nearly thirty years later, I can say that winning it was my greatest success. I have received other rewards that most people would consider far greater. But there was a difference. That first success was essential. Without it, I could not have continued. I could have done without the other rewards if necessary."

For two years young Schurman attended Prince of Wales College. He lived on his scholarship and what he could earn by keeping books for one of the town storekeepers, spending less than one hundred dollars during the entire college year. Afterward, he taught a country school for a year, and then went to Acadia College in Nova Scotia to complete his course.

Young Schurman attended Prince of Wales College for two years. He lived on his scholarship and the money he earned keeping books for a local storekeeper. He spent less than one hundred dollars during the entire college year. Afterward, he taught at a country school for a year. Then he went to Acadia College in Nova Scotia to complete his studies.

One of Mr. Schurman's fellow-students in Acadia says that he was remarkable chiefly for taking every prize to which he was eligible. In his senior year, he learned of a scholarship in the University of London offered for competition by the students of Canadian colleges. The scholarship paid five hundred dollars a year for three years. The young student in Acadia was ambitious to continue his studies in England, and saw in this offer his opportunity. He tried the examination and won the prize, in competition with the brightest students in the larger Canadian colleges.

One of Mr. Schurman's fellow students at Acadia said he was best known for winning every prize he was eligible for. In his senior year, he learned of a University of London scholarship open to students at Canadian colleges. It paid five hundred dollars a year for three years. Schurman wanted to continue his studies in England and saw the scholarship as his opportunity. He took the examination and won the prize, competing against the brightest students at the larger Canadian colleges.

During the three years in the University of London, Mr. Schurman became deeply interested in the study of philosophy, and decided that he had found in it his life-work. He was eager to go to Germany to study under the great leaders of philosophic thought. A way was opened for him, through the offer of the Hibbard Society, in London, of a traveling fellowship with two thousand dollars a year. The honor men of the great English Universities like Oxford and Cambridge were among the competitors, but the poor country boy from Prince Edward Island was again successful, greatly to the surprise of the others.

During his three years at the University of London, Mr. Schurman became deeply interested in philosophy. He decided that he had found his life's work. He was eager to go to Germany to study under the great leaders of philosophical thought. He got his chance when the Hibbard Society in London offered a traveling fellowship worth two thousand dollars a year. Top students from great English universities like Oxford and Cambridge competed for it. But the poor country boy from Prince Edward Island won again, greatly surprising the other competitors.

At the end of his course in Germany, Mr. Schurman, then a Doctor of Philosophy, returned to Acadia College to become a teacher there. Soon afterward, he was called to Dalhousie University, at Halifax, Nova Scotia. In 1886, when a chair of philosophy was established at Cornell, President White, who had once met the brilliant young Canadian, called him to that position. Two years later, Dr. Schurman became dean of the Sage School of Philosophy at Cornell; and, in 1892, when the president's chair became vacant, he was placed at the head of the great university. At that time he was only thirty-eight years of age.

After completing his studies in Germany, Mr. Schurman returned to Acadia College to teach. He had by then earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree. Soon afterward, he was invited to teach at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. In 1886, Cornell established a professorship in philosophy. President White, who had once met the brilliant young Canadian, invited him to fill the position. Two years later, Dr. Schurman became dean of the Sage School of Philosophy at Cornell. In 1892, the university presidency became vacant, and he was chosen to lead the great university. He was only thirty-eight years old at the time.

A well-known graduate of Amherst college gives the following figures, which to the boy who earnestly wants to go to college are of the most pertinent interest:

A well-known Amherst College graduate gives the following figures. They are especially relevant to a boy who truly wants to attend college:

"I entered college with $8.42 in my pocket. During the year I earned $60; received from the college a scholarship of $60, and an additional gift of $20; borrowed $190. My current expenses during my freshman year were $4.50 per week. Besides this I spent $10.55 for books; $23.45 for clothing; $10.57 for voluntary subscriptions; $15 for railroad fares; $8.24 for sundries.

"I entered college with $8.42 in my pocket. During the year, I earned $60. The college gave me a $60 scholarship and an additional gift of $20. I also borrowed $190. My regular expenses during my freshman year were $4.50 per week. I also spent $10.55 on books, $23.45 on clothing, $10.57 on voluntary contributions, $15 on train fares, and $8.24 on miscellaneous items.

"During the next summer I earned $100. I waited on table at a $4 boarding-house all of my sophomore year, and earned half board, retaining my old room at $1 per week. The expenses of the sophomore year were $394.50. I earned during the year, including board, $87.20; received a scholarship of $70, and gifts amounting to $12.50, and borrowed $150, with all of which I just covered expenses.

"During the next summer, I earned $100. Throughout my sophomore year, I waited tables at a boardinghouse that charged $4. In return, I received half my board. I kept my old room for $1 a week. My expenses for sophomore year were $394.50. During the year, I earned $87.20, including board. I received a $70 scholarship and gifts totaling $12.50, and I borrowed $150. With all of that, I just covered my expenses.

"In my junior year I engaged a nice furnished room at $60 per year, which I agreed to pay for by work about the house. By clerical work, etc., I earned $37; also earned full board waiting upon table; received $70 for a scholarship; $55 from gifts; borrowed $70, which squared my accounts for the year, excepting $40 due on tuition. The expenses for the year, including, of course, the full value of board, room, and tuition, were $478.76.

"In my junior year, I rented a nice furnished room for $60 a year. I agreed to pay for it by working around the house. I earned $37 from clerical work and other jobs. I also earned all my meals by waiting tables. I received $70 from a scholarship and $55 in gifts. I borrowed $70, which settled my accounts for the year, except for $40 I owed in tuition. My expenses for the year were $478.76, including the full value of my meals, room, and tuition.

"During the following summer I earned $40. Throughout the senior year I retained the same room, under the same conditions as the previous year. I waited on table all the year, and received full board; earned by clerical work, tutoring, etc., $40; borrowed $40; secured a scholarship of $70; took a prize of $25; received a gift of $35. The expenses of the senior year, $496.64 were necessarily heavier than these of previous years. But having secured a good position as teacher for the coming year, I was permitted to give my note for the amount I could not raise, and so was enabled to graduate without financial embarrassment.

"During the following summer, I earned $40. Throughout my senior year, I kept the same room under the same conditions as the year before. I waited tables all year and received all my meals in return. I earned $40 through clerical work, tutoring, and other jobs. I borrowed $40, received a $70 scholarship, won a $25 prize, and received a $35 gift. My senior year expenses were $496.64, necessarily higher than in previous years. But I had secured a good teaching position for the coming year. So I was allowed to sign a promise to pay the amount I could not raise. This allowed me to graduate without financial embarrassment."

"The total expense for the course was about $1,708; of which (counting scholarships as earnings) I earned $1,157."

"The course cost about $1,708 in total. I earned $1,157 of that, counting scholarships as earnings."

Twenty-five of the young men graduated at Yale not long ago paid their way entirely throughout their courses. It seemed as if they left untried no avenue for earning money. Tutoring, copying, newspaper work, and positions as clerks were well-occupied fields; and painters, drummers, founders, machinists, bicycle agents, and mail carriers were numbered among the twenty-five.

Not long ago, twenty-five young men who graduated from Yale had paid their own way throughout college. They seemed to have tried every possible way to earn money. Many worked as tutors, copyists, newspaper workers, and clerks. Among the twenty-five were also painters, traveling salesmen, metal founders, machinists, bicycle agents, and mail carriers.

In a certain district in Boston there are ten thousand students. Many of them come from the country and from factory towns. A large number come from the farms of the West. Many of these students are paying for their education by money earned by their own hands. It is said that unearned money does not enrich. The money that a student earns for his own education does enrich his life. It is true gold.

In one district of Boston, there are ten thousand students. Many come from the countryside and factory towns. A large number come from farms in the West. Many of these students pay for their education with money they earn through their own work. People say that money you have not earned does not enrich you. But the money a student earns for an education does enrich that student's life. It is true gold.

Every young man or woman should weigh the matter well before concluding that a college education is out of the question.

Every young man or woman should think carefully before deciding that a college education is impossible.

If Henry Wilson, working early and late on a farm with scarcely any opportunities to go to school, bound out until he was twenty-one for only a yoke of oxen and six sheep, could manage to read a thousand good books before his time had expired; if the slave Frederick Douglass, on a plantation where it was almost a crime to teach a slave to read, could manage from scraps of paper, posters on barns, and old almanacs, to learn the alphabet and lift himself to eminence; if the poor deaf boy Kitto, who made shoes in an alms-house, could become the greatest Biblical scholar of his age, where is the boy or girl to-day, under the American flag, who cannot get a fair education and escape the many disadvantages of ignorance?

Henry Wilson worked long hours on a farm and had almost no chance to attend school. He was bound to work until he was twenty-one in exchange for just a pair of oxen and six sheep. Yet he managed to read a thousand good books before his term ended. Frederick Douglass was a slave on a plantation where teaching a slave to read was almost a crime. Yet he managed to learn the alphabet from scraps of paper, posters on barns, and old almanacs, and rose to prominence. Kitto was a poor deaf boy who made shoes in an almshouse. Yet he became the greatest Biblical scholar of his age. If they could do all this, what boy or girl today, under the American flag, cannot get a decent education and escape the many disadvantages of ignorance?

"If a man empties his purse into his head," says Franklin, "no man can take it away from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest."

"If a man spends his money on learning," says Franklin, "no one can take that knowledge away from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the best return."