With the declining economy, the increase in unemployment and the rising costs of higher education, many students and their parents are worried about paying for college. In the past 25 years, tuition and fees have risen dramatically; many universities will be giving less financial aid because return on their endowments have plummeted.

Still, my family and I are finding hope in President Obama's stimulus plan. Because I want to become a doctor, one of the greatest benefits in the plan is the investment in science education, which will triple science grants for undergraduate and graduate students.

During the next two years, Obama's package intends to help 4 million needy students with expanded tax benefits and 7 million more with increased federal grant funding.

The widely used Pell Grant Program for financially eligible students will receive a $17.1 billion increase in funding. Obama's package will raise the maximum Pell Grant award to $5,500 a year per qualified applicant.

The new tax credit of $2,500, called the American Opportunity Tax Credit, will be partially refundable for low-income families, and all eligible families will be able to write off non-tuition expenses including textbooks, transportation and room and board.

This plan will help make college more affordable for those determined to go, and it will allow many who never dreamed of higher education to pursue a college degree.

Reach Kanya Gagarin at (Unknown address).