Mistake on Web site could cause confusion

Education is priceless. Practically every university, grade school and government official on the planet has made this statement. Theoretically this might be true, but a college degree comes with a hefty price tag. \nIn October 2004, CNN Money reported the average cost of tuition, boarding and fees for the 2004-05 school year was $11,354 for public universities and $27,516 for private universities. For many, this amount is too much for their bank accounts to bear. That's why thousands turn to the Free Application for Student Aid Web site. But, some of these people have been misled by inaccurate information.\nThe site, which is part of the U.S. Department of Education's Web site, said that in order to be eligible to receive aid, students "must not have any drug convictions," according to an article that appeared July 1 in The Chronicle of Higher Education. This statement, which was corrected July 1, was false because convicted drug offenders are eligible for aid in some cases. \nIn the same article, Tom Angell, the communications director for Students for Sensible Drug Policy, admitted that the false information might have discouraged some students from applying for aid since the Web site was not corrected in time for the June 30 FAFSA application deadline. \n"Even if it has affected one student, that is a big problem," Angell said. "It could be as many as thousands. There's no way to tell."\nAlthough other parts of the site indicate that convicted drug offenders can receive aid and contain special resources for them, it is probable that many did not read these parts since they were displayed after the initial incorrect statement.\nBill Ehrich, associate director of student financial assistance at IU, is skeptical of how many students were actually affected by the false information for several reasons. He questions how many students read the information posted on the Web site because of the number of students who call his office each year asking questions about financial aid that are answered on the Web site.\n"As far as I know, no one has called the office and said 'Oh I read the Web site and I don't think I can apply,'" he said.\nHe also doesn't think that many convicted drug offenders would apply for government aid.\n"It's such a tiny, miniscule number of people," he said. "I'd be surprised if it affected 100 people across the country."\nIU students, however, expressed concern about this issue, whether it personally affects them or not.\n"Everyone makes mistakes (and) those mistakes shouldn't cost someone an opportunity to better themselves through education," said sophomore Meg Zuzolo. "The misleading information on the Web site may have drastically altered the lives of people who deserve a shot at an education and a better life but couldn't afford it without student loans."\nZuzolo also noted that this false information could have cost universities potential students and valuable funds.\n"If enrollment is already low, the university could use more people and more funds to support the campus," she said.\nSenior Mark Fodor shares Ehrich's opinion and questions how many people were actually discouraged from applying for financial aid.\n"It's clearly confusing to students, but (I don't think) many come (to college) with drug convictions," he said.\nFodor recognizes, however, that it is unfair to those who do want a college education and was alarmed that the government made such a mistake.\n"FAFSA (messed) up," he said. "They (needed) to fix it"