With the average tuition at U.S. public four-year institutions up 13 percent in the last five years, local organizations—such as the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation and the Cy-Fair Women’s Club—are working to support area students financially in their academic ventures following high school.

Since its inception in 1970, CFEF has awarded more than $6 million in scholarships to Cy-Fair ISD students. Executive Director Marie Holmes said more than 100 graduating seniors collectively received $330,000 this year, with individual scholarships ranging from $500 to $20,000.

Individuals and businesses provide endowments to fund CFEF’s efforts, but much of the funding comes from annual events. The foundation’s largest event, Salute to the Stars, is set for Oct. 13.

“The district is growing, and we’re always looking to expand our opportunities and what we’re able to do for the students of Cy-Fair,” Holmes said. “We’re looking to expand our endowments to $15 million by 2020.”   

The College Board’s annual Survey of Colleges states that tuition is only the beginning of the expenses that students face in pursuit of postsecondary education.

The national annual average for room and board in 2015 was $10,138. After accounting for textbooks, supplies, food, transportation and other miscellaneous fees, the average public four-year school student is paying $24,061 each year, the 2015 survey concluded.

Other organizations play a significant role in making higher education accessible to students who might not be able to attend college otherwise.

The Cy-Fair Women’s Club awards $1,000 scholarships to about 20 high school, home-schooled and private school graduates every year.

“The primary focus of this scholarship is to award students who give back to their community,” President Patricia Swagerty said.

She said finding a way to pay for college can be overwhelming, but students should not give up.

“It is worth the struggle, and it is an opportunity not to be missed,” she said.