In addition, the cost of university studies is increasing today. Expenses continue to grow; By stretching parents' bank accounts and wallets, families are grappling with the reality of college debt. College expenses include room and board, tuition, and possibly a meal plan for the year or semester, as well as other miscellaneous supplies. Since the majority of financial expenses in college come from tuition and fees, scholarships.com's "Tuition and Fee's" article recommends staying in the state where one resides. This can significantly reduce the cost of tuition. Going to colleges or universities outside of one's home state increases the price of tuition the student will have to pay. There is also a difference between tuition fees at public and private universities. At public state colleges, the average amount reaches $7,000 per year for tuition. At private colleges, the average cost can reach $26,000 per year. Scholarships.com also suggests that students apply for all kinds of scholarships, student loans, and other financial aid to help cover their expenses (“tuition and fees”). The good news is that student loan debt usually includes time to pay it off. The average starting salary once one becomes a pediatrician ranges from $120,000 to $130,000 and can increase after three years, reaching $150,000 to $200,000 (Iannelli “Becoming”). With this income, college debt no longer poses a threat. The next step, and perhaps the most intimidating part of the medical journey, will be getting into medical school. “The average pre-med student applies to at least five to ten medical schools,” says mommd.com (“Ready to Apply”). If a medical school considers the student after reviewing his or her application, the school will do so in...... middle of article....... 2014Rampur, Stephen. “Pediatrician Job Description” Buzzle.com. Buzzle.com, March 22, 2012. Web. March 06, 2014. "Ready to apply to medical school? Your AMCAS application and interviews." Mom.com. Mommd, LLC, 2013. Web. March 5, 2014.Santiago, Andrea. "What is medical residency training? All about medical residency training." about.com Health Careers. about.com, nd Web. March 03, 2014. “SIU School of Medicine. » SIUSOM program. Southern Illinois Board of Trustees, 2014. Web. March 05, 2014.Torrey, Trisha. “Effective Patient – ​​Physician Communications.” Patient Empowerment on About.com. About.com, September 13, 2011. Web. March 7, 2014 “Tuition and Fees.” Bourses.com. Scholarships.com, LLC. 2014. Internet. March 05, 2014. "What to expect as a medical student: Your medical training and the process of becoming a doctor." Mom.com. Mommd, LLC, 2013. Web. February 27. 2014.