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Web site lets students bid for college admissions

Some students have haggled to get a good deal on a new car, others have bargained over a funky outfit at the thrift store, but rarely, if ever, have students been able to name their price on a college education. That may soon be an option.

A new Web site, eCollegebid.org, allows students to fill out an application, name the amount they are willing to pay for college and wait for schools to make offers to them. The application requires standardized test scores, GPA, desired location and intended major.

The colleges must respond to the bid with a financial aid package meeting the students' demands within 10 days. The student has 30 days to accept, decline or to ask for further negotiations.

The site costs students nothing, but participating colleges will pay $2,000 per year to access the students' applications. So far, no colleges have signed on.

The site states that the colleges who will participate "are mostly private colleges that are not 'household names' and do not often make the 'rankings' in the popular media."

After the first year of school, it will be the responsibility of the college and the student to decide what the student will pay for the remainder of his or her education.

According to the site, all applications are seen only by member institutions and the students' personal information is protected by the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.

The site now is accepting applications, however colleges and universities will not be reviewing them until Nov. 1.

Director of Financial Aid Yvonne Hubbard said this Web site plays to the fear of many students that college is too expensive.

"It bothers me that some students think they can't go to college -- it just isn't true," Hubbard said. "Yes, it's expensive, but it's affordable. You have to go to one you can afford."

She said some students might not be able to attend their dream school, but that all students can afford an in-state public school.

"In-state public schools everywhere in the nation are still affordable. They are not priced out of anyone's reach," she added.

Hubbard said the site might also cater to those students who want to have a wide selection of schools.

The University will not participate in the site, and Assoc. Dean of Admissions Larry Groves said he did not think the site would be successful at matching colleges and students.

Groves said the process of finding a good match is "far from ideal" even when applying through the more involved traditional process.

The high price of a college education could draw students to the site, he said.

"I believe the cost of college may make this enterprise more attractive to students," he added. "Maybe people only care that they are paying premium prices"

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