High school grads are downsizing their college dreams - Peter Simon and Jay Rey, Buffalo News

Like graduating high school seniors throughout the country, Amanda Skinner navigated tough economic times by making her college choice with a laser-like focus on finances. Amanda, who is about to graduate from Sweet Home High School in the top 11 percent of her class, was attracted to the University of Rochester and Case Western University in Cleveland, but did not apply to those private schools because of their cost. Both have sticker prices of more than $34,000 a year in tuition and fees. Add room and board and the yearly cost at each is closer to $50,000.