Cost forces college students to transfer, graduate early

The day after senior Alison Brazaitis received her early decision acceptance letter to GW four years ago, she got another letter saying she was not eligible for any financial aid.
The news was devastating to her family, and to make ends meet her mother took a second job. But with an economic crisis at hand and harder times looming, Brazaitis has decided to graduate a semester early to save money.
Brazaitis is one of many GW students who are looking for ways to afford attending college in the midst of economic turmoil. Although GW is no longer the most expensive college in the country, some students have resorted to graduating early or transferring in order to lessen the financial burden.
Dan Small, executive director of student financial aid, said his department has been working to meet the needs of the students.
"We realize that there was a high number compared to other years of those who are struggling, but we are going to figure out how to do this," Small said.
The financial aid office has responded to more than 100 letters from students concerned about their financial situation, Small said.