#Continuing Education for Accountants Ohio

[accpe]

This 3-hour course is designed to meet the 3-hour Ethics CPE requirement for Ohio CPAs. It provides an overview of ethical thought along with the core values of the CPA profession.

[asomeone-user]

In early March, as the coronavirus pandemic forced America to contemplate a nationwide shutdown, Dan St. Louis started to get nervous. St. Louis runs a facility in Conover, North Carolina, called the Manufacturing Solutions Center, which prototypes and tests new fabrics and other materials; most of its funding comes from contracts with what remains of the American textile industry. With stay-at-home orders on the horizon, “our business just dried up immediately,” he says.

A week later, St. Louis’s cell phone began to ring incessantly: hospitals, nursing homes, and funeral homes from as far away as New York. Everyone wanted to know if he could find them masks and gowns, or tell them who could, or at least help them figure out whether the personal protective equipment (PPE) they could get was any good. “And that was just half my calls,” he says. The others were from makers of furniture, pants, and shirts, and dozens of other businesses with industrial facilities they wanted to put to use to help shore up the supply of whatever was needed. St. Louis breaks into rapid-fire gibberish trying to mimic the callers’ urgency, and then, chuckling, can’t seem to find the right words. 

“I’m telling you … It was … You couldn’t.”

St. Louis has worked at the Manufacturing Solutions Center since it was founded, in 1990, as a division of Catawba Valley Community College. He keeps a list eight pages long of every kind of test the facility has ever run to evaluate specialty fabrics: filters used in motorcycle cooling systems and clothing that dispenses pain medication, hard casts for bone fractures and nontoxic treatment for raw silk, hybrid sock-tights featured on Oprah. But they’d never worked on PPE before March: “There wasn’t anybody calling us saying, ‘Hey, will you test this stuff?’” That’s because most PPE was made overseas.

North Carolina’s Manufacturing Solutions Center prototypes and tests new fabrics and other materials, working with renewed urgency because of the pandemic.

CHRIS EDWARDS

St. Louis’s sudden education began just as governments across the world started treating the looming shortage of masks and face shields as a matter of national security. Germany banned PPE exports on March 4. Malaysia, India, and dozens of others soon took similar measures. Diplomacy eased some of this early jockeying over the existing supply—Taiwan pledged to donate 10 million masks overseas, President Donald Trump grudgingly allowed 3M to sell N95s to Canada, the EU convinced Germany to share its PPE with the rest of the bloc and then prohibited exports outside it—but by the end of April, the World Trade Organization was reporting that more than 80 countries around the world had taken steps to limit exports of PPE during the pandemic.

It was a scenario St. Louis had often thought about before: the US, abruptly forced to go it alone, discovering how little the country makes of the stuff it consumes. Usually, he imagined a war with China: “You can’t call and say ‘Our guys are cold—we need stuff.’” But the pandemic made clear that the pinch could come in a variety of forms. 

In 1990, he recalled, the US textile industry produced 60% of the “cut & sew” apparel made worldwide—that is, clothing with stitches on the seams, as opposed to knitted wool sweaters or rain gear whose pieces are welded together with heat. Today that figure is 3%. When federal and state agencies began to publish numbers about how much PPE they’d need to outlast the accelerating outbreak, St. Louis was flabbergasted. “We need a billion gowns! Good God,” he says. “We need a billion? A billion? I can’t even fathom that.” 

The sudden need for a range of lifesaving fabrics threw the handful of facilities like St. Louis’s into overdrive. In the middle of March, they began ferrying samples, performance specs, and recommended adjustments back and forth to fabric mills trying to convert their operations overnight to making essential goods. At the end of three months, St. Louis says, the Manufacturing Solutions Center had helped 28 companies begin churning out fabric suitable for hospital gowns. 

Masks and respirators are a different question. Existing worldwide supplies of the melt-blown polypropylene used in the most coveted PPE item in hospitals—the N95 respirators capable of filtering out the virus—are spoken for through at least the first few months of 2021. In March, a senior official at the US Department of Health and Human Services estimated that American health-care workers alone would go through 3.5 billion N95 masks fighting the coronavirus.

Surgical masks are not as protective as N95s, but they do shield the wearer from droplets and fluids better than the now ubiquitous cloth masks—3% to 25% better, depending on the study. To sustain any meaningful reopening of the economy, surgical masks will likely have to be made by the tens or even hundreds of billions. Outfits like the Manufacturing Solutions Center are also uniquely qualified to develop a new generation of higher-performance cloth masks, or ones that use small filter inserts to stretch scarce materials further. One model created at the facility is a knit mask woven through with copper, which is being used in medical facilities and by the US military. Thanks to its tight fit, it “doesn’t fog my glasses,” as one of St. Louis’s colleagues says, but they have no way to evaluate it more definitively than that. 

CHRIS EDWARDS

CHRIS EDWARDS

In July, St. Louis was still scrambling to raise $500,000 to buy machinery that would allow him to test the fabric used in masks. Meanwhile, he refers inquiries about mask testing to a company in Nevada—the lone private laboratory in the US certified by the CDC to perform such tests.

Meanwhile, 40 miles south of Conover, in the town of Belmont, the Textile Technology Center at Gaston College specializes in what the industry refers to as “yarn.” Give Dan Rhodes a small sample of a novel polymer, and he’ll figure out how to extrude it into a filament, and how to fine-tune the process to see whether the material can be made to work in high-speed manufacturing. Rhodes and his colleagues are working with a manufacturer of coronavirus test kits to make the fiber wicks that siphon saliva samples into a blend of testing reagents. Another client is an Ohio-based manufacturer of cotton swabs that is replacing the cotton with a synthetic equivalent in order to make nasal testing swabs uncontaminated by the plant fiber’s DNA. 

Vital work. And yet in each case, few American businesses could step up to fill a similar niche. Rhodes told me that most surviving textile companies have long since disbanded the proprietary sampling labs they used to house on site. Many of the senior staff at both centers learned their trade at companies that were picked apart and reconstituted overseas after hostile takeovers by investors like Wilbur Ross, the current secretary of commerce, who made part of his fortune outsourcing textile jobs to Asia in the early 2000s. 

That means much of the brain trust for the American textile industry—the Manufacturing Solutions Center’s website advertises “300 years of textile experience”—got its training in private-sector jobs that no longer exist in the United States. Rhodes, who is 72, plans to retire at the end of August and jokes that “half the people here collect a Social Security check.” St. Louis retired in July; every plant where he ever worked closed long ago.  

Rhodes recalls watching from afar as the town of Fort Payne, Alabama, lost its status as “sock capital of the world.” “All it takes is one financier”—he stretches the word across four venomous syllables—“on Wall Street to call somebody in China and say, ‘Send me a million dozen of those black socks with the gold thread in the toe.’ He doesn’t know how to make any socks, but he can destroy all that expertise.”

Why did the sock makers leave Fort Payne? To Jon Clark, who spent 30 years crisscrossing the country from his home in Houston to buy scrap equipment from shuttered factories, the answer is obvious: there’s money to be made shifting operations from what he calls “the 30-, 40-, 50-dollar-an-hour zone in the US” to the “three-, four-, five-dollar zone” overseas. The problem, in Clark’s view, is that the incentives driving the economy no longer distinguish between profitability and greed. “It used to be that plants closed because they weren’t profitable,” he says. “Now they close because they’re not profitable enough.” 

Clark, who is 72, began his career in 1965 as an engineer in a Texas fertilizer plant where chemically induced asthma was a daily hazard. He remembers watching birds expire in midair as they flew from one side of the plant to the other. Environmental laws transformed huge swaths of American manufacturing, but they also gave US corporations a strong incentive to relocate factories to places where they could pollute at will.  

Over the same period, seismic improvements in shipping and technology made it possible for corporations to rely on networks of suppliers that stretch across the planet. Modern supply chains are fluid and elaborate, ever shifting to account for minute changes in the price of screws, thread, or copper wire. As a result, manufacturers have continued to bring cheaper goods to American consumers even as the components required to make them come from farther and farther away. 

“Can you imagine a plant that does nothing but break a million eggs a month? That’s 500 tons of broken shells a year!”

Jon Clark, publisher of Plant Closing News

Clark began buying and selling equipment full time in the 1980s, just as these transformations were accelerating the exodus of heavy manufacturing from the US to cheaper labor markets all over the world—China, Mexico, Vietnam. In 2003, he began publishing a biweekly newsletter called Plant Closing News (PCN) as a service for the scrap industry, a way to help auctioneers and equipment brokers chase leads on bargain wire stranders and double-arm mixers across the country. Over the years, his encyclopedic knowledge of the decline—or, more charitably, the evolution—of American industry has crystallized into a kind of lament about the shifting character of the US economy. 

Each PCN listing includes the type of facility and its expected closing date, an address, a phone number, and the name of a contact person for anyone looking to move, buy, or scrap the equipment inside, along with a sentence or two on the number of displaced workers and the reasons behind a plant’s shuttering. Compiling the entries is simple, if grueling, work that usually involves extracting the necessary particulars over the phone from employees likely to be losing their jobs. By the time Clark sent out the last issue in December 2019, after a detached retina left him temporarily blind in one eye, he had chronicled the demise of 16,000 factories, plants, and mills in 17 years.

When Clark and I first spoke, he began reading his newsletter aloud to me over the phone in a rich Texas baritone, interspersed with his own idiosyncratic commentary. “Can you imagine a plant that does nothing but break a million eggs a month?” he asked. “That’s 500 tons of broken shells a year!” 

Jon Clark with his wife, Donna

COURTESY PHOTO

Clark rattled off all the factory closures he’d compiled for a stretch of July 2019: an aircraft-lock assembly plant, a scrap-metal shredding facility, a conveyor manufacturer, three plastic-bottle plants, a foundry, a glass plant, a South Carolina plant that manufactured textile machinery, a pharmaceutical plant in Wyoming (“The only one,” he interjected), a Florida plant that bent tubes into automotive parts, a paint-manufacturing plant in Missouri, a corrugated-cardboard-box plant in New York, and on and on and on. “Those are the ones that I know of,” Clark added, when he finally reached the end of the list.

The decision to close a plant often heralds a chaotic time on the ground, as a dwindling team on site shoulders the responsibility of continuing to run a facility slated for closure. There’s still inventory to track, maintenance to be done, and product to be pushed out, along with all the paperwork that goes into settling the books before closing a place down. Often, the workers themselves are the last ones to be told.

For the first five years of PCN, Clark’s daughter Kristen, then at home with her oldest child, was his main “caller.” She took the leads he gleaned from trade publications and industry chatter, contacted the plants, and coaxed the remaining staff into providing the information needed for Rolodex-like entries designed to help contractors gin up business in demolition, secondhand equipment, and environmental remediation. “We got hung up on a lot,” Kristen remembers. But there were also moments of pathos. “We got an opportunity to cry with them, and pray with them, and a lot of them got very angry,” Jon says. 

PCN’s run overlapped with a historic decline in manufacturing employment in the United States. From 2000 to 2016, the US shed nearly 5 million manufacturing jobs, or more than a quarter of the total, and one out of every five manufacturing establishments in the country shut its doors. Clark charted this decline in his newsletter, watching as globalization tugged at one thread after another in the tapestry of American industry. In the early 2000s, a wave of sock manufacturers closed, followed by food-processing plants, plastics plants, automotive plants, and lightbulb factories.

CHRIS EDWARDS

In 2013, Walmart rolled out a “Made in the USA” campaign, vowing to shore up domestic manufacturing by spending $50 billion over 10 years on US-made goods. But the company was forced to scale back its ambitions after the watchdog group Truth in Advertising found hundreds of products at Walmart stores falsely labeled as made in the USA. As Clark put it, “We still have 330 million people in this country, most of whom wear socks, but Walmart couldn’t find anybody who made socks in America.” 

Five years ago, Donald Trump campaigned on the argument that manufacturers who offshored American jobs were forsaking patriotism for profit. Fused with racist grievance and conspiracy theory, that message helped propel him to the Republican nomination and then the presidency. In the 2016 election, Trump’s attacks on corporations that “moved [our] jobs to Mexico” were a core element of his pitch to the very same voters—white, male Midwesterners with a high school education—who formed a prominent cohort in America’s shrinking manufacturing workforce.

At the time, the prevailing wisdom among economists held that Trump was wrong. Certainly, previous declines in American manufacturing, such as the waves of textile and steel layoffs in the 1980s, could be linked more or less directly to gains in developing countries. Hundreds of new garment factories opened in China, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. Brazil and South Korea aggressively expanded steel production. But while the decline in the 2000s appeared to have a similar explanation—now China’s and South Korea’s economies were expanding by leaps and bounds, and American stores were filling with Korean TVs and Chinese toys and electronics—many economists and commentators looked at the data on manufacturing’s share of GDP and concluded that imports couldn’t be the major culprit behind so many lost jobs. 

A typical example: Michael Hicks, an economist at Ball State University, coauthored a widely cited report arguing that “import substitution”—Americans’ choices to buy cheaper foreign-made products instead of more expensive goods made domestically—accounted for only about 750,000 lost jobs, or roughly one-seventh of the total. What took away the rest? Layoffs of redundant workers once protected by unions; robots and automation; and reliance on more efficient maintenance and service contractors in place of part of the former labor force, he argued. After all, even as the number of manufacturing jobs shrank dramatically, the dollar value of US manufactured goods continued to grow. “I call it productivity,” Hicks told me.

For years, Susan Houseman, a labor economist at the Upjohn Institute for Employment in Kalamazoo, Michigan, watched a parade of pundits explain away those 4 million lost jobs in similar terms. Houseman didn’t buy it. Beginning in 2007, she published a series of papers arguing that the basic tools the federal government uses to generate manufacturing, import, and export statistics were misleading and frequently misinterpreted. 

The Wilde Yarn Mill in Manayunk, Pennsylvania, closed in 2012. When it opened in the 1880s there were over 800 textile operations in the area. It had been the oldest continually operating yarn mill in the country.

MATTHEW CHRISTOPHER

If a television manufacturer that sells $1,000 TVs relocates production overseas, and Americans start buying $500 imported TVs instead, the amount of economic activity “displaced” by offshoring shows up as $500, not $1,000. But the American town that hosted the old factory lost $1,000 worth of work. Even if the TV is still made in the US, but complex components start being sourced abroad, productivity statistics don’t account for labor done by foreign suppliers. If a TV assembled in Ohio takes nine hours of Vietnamese labor and one hour of Toledo labor, as opposed to all 10 hours coming from Toledo, federal statistics will show that American manufacturers are suddenly able to produce 10 times as many TVs with the same amount of labor. “Productivity” jumps. It appears as though technology improved, when what really happened is that jobs were shipped abroad.

Furthermore, Houseman adds, for several decades, the speed and power of the chips and semiconductors churned out by one small slice of American manufacturers advanced so rapidly that increases in “output” from that sector alone accounted for the vast majority of productivity gains among US manufacturers. Leave computers out of it, and all of a sudden US manufacturing appeared to be in very bad shape. 

“Research that has looked at the automation story, the robot story—there’s really no evidence that that could have precipitated such a large decline in manufacturing employment,” Houseman says. “Trump resonated to some people because what he was saying seemed true to them, and to a very large degree, he was right.” 

After the pandemic hit, one ingredient in China’s remarkable recovery was its ability to turn the rudder of its enormous industrial engine to the needs of the moment. By one estimate, Chinese production of N95s and other surgical masks grew 30-fold in less than three months, reaching nearly half a billion a day. By contrast, 3M, the largest domestic US manufacturer of N95s, has received enough government funding to nearly triple its output and currently produces just over 1.5 million a day.

Willy Shih, a professor of management practice at Harvard Business School, says part of this chasm stems from the loss of the “industrial commons”—the combination of expertise, infrastructure, and networks of mutually dependent businesses that help foster efficiency and innovation. Over time, Shih argues, outsourcing has cannibalized not only the assembly line jobs we associate with the factory floor, but the whole chain of intellectual effort that makes those jobs possible. 

This arrangement has given American corporations unparalleled freedom to swap contractors, minimize tax burdens, and make things using inventory someone else pays to insure and maintain. But all that flexibility, meant to guard against financial risks to shareholders, turns out to be flexibility of the wrong kind for 2020. Any manufacturer that built in wiggle room to better weather a pandemic would have had “Wall Street analysts all over their case,” Shih says, saying: “Look at how inefficiently you’re using your capital.”

Clark, the founder of Plant Closing News, blames this pathological pursuit of efficiency in large part on Jack Welch, the iconic late CEO of General Electric. When I visited Clark in Houston in February, he summarized Welch’s gospel as follows: If you have 10 employees, no matter how well they’re doing as a group, rank them 1 to 10, and get rid of number 10. (The company abandoned this “rank and yank” policy a few years after Welch stepped down in 2001.) “And if you have 60 manufacturing plants, and the smallest one is in North Carolina, and they’re pretty good but they’re always near the bottom of that list … when I call, the plant manager starts crying: ‘I been here for 40 years. This is my family.’ Why? Because you have 59 other plants that can make this stuff and ‘we don’t need you’?” Clark winced. 

He turned his attention to the stack of copies of PCN on the table and scanned through an issue from June 2019. A vehicle seating manufacturer was laying off 28 employees near Kalamazoo and shifting production to Mexico and Kentucky; a plastic-molding plant in Illinois was shutting down and consolidating its operations in Mexico and China; a medical-device manufacturer in Southern California was moving its plant to Malaysia. “This is not uncommon—this is every one of these,” Clark said. “If you’re making money and your people are doing a decent job, why would you move it somewhere cheaper so you can hire foreigners and put your own people on welfare? That’s never made any sense to me.”

One hallmark of our era in capitalism is the rise of companies that are both everywhere and nowhere at once. Today, multinational corporations—registered in Delaware, paying taxes in Ireland, sourcing materials on five continents—drive the majority of worldwide trade. “Why wouldn’t you have the business community up in arms about [offshoring] undermining their competitiveness in the United States?” Susan Houseman asked me. “Because it may not be undermining their competitiveness.” 

But it may be undermining the US national interest. Because the American manufacturing sector is more consolidated and narrower in scope than it once was, it’s also less diverse, less resilient, and less able to respond to a crisis.

Bancroft Mills, a fabric mill in Wilmington, Delaware, had been vacant since the early 2000s and was largely destroyed by a fire in the autumn of 2016.

MATTHEW CHRISTOPHER

According to Behnam Pourdeyhimi, the director of the Nonwovens Institute at North Carolina State University, the current wait for a machine that can produce the melt-blown polypropylene used in N95 respirators is about 14 months. The technology for the machines was developed in the United States, but these days, Pourdeyhimi says, aside from a small manufacturer in Florida and a sprinkling of others in Europe and China, German companies enjoy a near monopoly, simply because their machines are so good. The machines used to “convert” melt-blown into wearable PPE are somewhat easier to come by, he says, but 90% of them—both for N95s and for pleated surgical masks—are made in China. 

However, recovering the ability to make machines that make PPE is not impossible, Pourdeyhimi says. He estimates the necessary investment to be in the tens of millions of dollars. It should be doable in months. 

During World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s War Production Board famously redirected huge swaths of the American economy to make things the military needed. Factories contributing to the war effort jumped to the front of the line for scarce raw materials. “The entire capacity of the laundry industry will be devoted to war,” the board’s chairman announced in 1942: brass and steel would be conserved by putting an end to washing-machine production. Nylon was reserved for parachutes. Typewriter factories were converted to produce rifle barrels, while those that couldn’t went on making typewriters exclusively for the government. Technology was put to work where it was most needed.

All through the spring of 2020, there were stories of vegetables being plowed under and manure ponds filled with fresh milk because the US lacked the proper packaging and processing infrastructure to convert cafeteria and wholesale food into products that could be sold in grocery stores—or even, perhaps, given away.

Even if individual firms are flexible today in ways they weren’t in the past—a consequence of the transformations Shih describes—the system as a whole cannot effectively pivot as it did during the last crisis of this scale. Though Trump did not create the decades-long decline in American manufacturing, that the president is—to say the least—no FDR is a not insignificant factor in America’s anemic response. Whatever credit Trump deserves for articulating the role of trade in weakening American manufacturing, he has managed to squander a generational opportunity to throw the weight of the federal government behind securing its vitality.

In recent months, the Trump administration has waved away the need for legislation aimed at “re-shoring,” arguing that a presidential charm offensive will be enough to awaken CEOs’ sense of patriotism. Clark doesn’t see it that way. “It’s all about where these companies make the most money,” he says. “‘If you want us to manufacture in the US, you’re gonna pay for it.’”

This year is the second time Clark has decided to retire. The first time, he lasted six months. He still bids on equipment every month or two. Why? “For my own entertainment. Because I’m crazy …” He pauses. “Because a peanut plant closed in Georgia and they have two 30,000-gallon propane tanks and I’ve got a buyer that wants them. So why not?” 

[mylifeasavetstudent]

Hi! I strive to be a veterinary technician but where I live there are no schools or programs at the moment and have no money to travel in regards to school. I am going to graduate soon and have already applied to a local college in hopes to pursue a bachelor's degree in bio. I am wondering if this seems like the right choice? Some of my friends have told me it is not required to go to college to become a vet tech but my mom is making me. Thank you in advance!

Hi! 

Phew, this is a loaded question. 

Let’s start by saying: this varies A LOT by location. It is definitely not straightforward, and every veterinary assistant/technician you ask will have a wildly different answer.

Every US state (I’m sure it varies even more wildly by COUNTRY) has different laws in regards to what people with different levels of certification can do. 

I currently work as a veterinary assistant who has been trained on the job. I don’t have any official certification - I was just taught by other assistants, technicians, and doctors over a few years. 

In addition, I have my bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, and am planning to go on to veterinary school in the fall. 

That being said, I don’t have a lot of experience with veterinary technician schooling, exams, or licensure. Any of my followers with more experience, please feel free to add on or correct me!

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According to NAVTA (The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America) and the AVMA (The American Veterinary Medical Association), the correct term is “Veterinary Technician” in the US (as opposed to terms like “Veterinary nurse” used in other countries) - another source of debate and varied opinions! 

There are people with zero official certification, people who are LICENSED veterinary technicians (LVTs), people who are CERTIFIED veterinary technicians (CVTs), and people who are REGISTERED veterinary technicians (RVTs). Again, the difference varies by state.

After completing a Veterinary Technician program (~2 years) and receiving your degree, most jobs require you to take the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Examination) - the nationwide exam. Once passing this, depending on the state, you may have to pay a fee (no exam required - just proof of your degree and your passing exam grade). Paying the fee will make you “licensed”. I believe this needs to be repaid every 2-3 years to maintain your licensure.

In addition, there may be a mandatory amount of C.E. (Continuing Education) credits you must obtained every year to maintain your licensure.

I’m not sure if this is still in effect - but in some states, you are able to take the VTNE exam WITHOUT attending veterinary technician school. (In other states, you need to show proof of your degree in order to even take the exam). Passing the VTNE will then enable you to pay for your license.

Now, once a veterinary technician or technologist, you can also move forward by becoming a veterinary technician SPECIALIST (they usually work under a veterinary doctor who chose to specialize in a certain field and become a board certified specialist). 

——

Let’s do a brief overview of the medical staff in a veterinary hospital.

Quotes below are according to the NAVTA website: VETERINARIAN: “The veterinarian is solely responsible for diagnosing, prognosing, prescribing medication and performing surgery. They are ultimately responsible for all patient care and outcomes. Most veterinarians apply for veterinary medical school admission while obtaining a bachelor degree in a compatible field. If accepted into a medical school, the course of study usually takes another four years, making that a grand total of eight years of schooling. Every state requires a veterinarian to take and pass a licensing exam. Successful candidates are given a license to practice veterinary medicine.”

BOTH VETERINARY TECHNICIANS AND VETERINARY TECHNOLOGISTS:“The veterinary Technicians and technologists are educated to be the veterinarian’s nurse, laboratory technician, radiography technician, anesthetist, surgical nurse and client educator. Many veterinary technicians and technologists are placed in a supervisory role in veterinary practices, research institutions and other employment options. Veterinary technicians can find employment in veterinary practices, biomedical research, zoo/wildlife medicine, industry, military, livestock health management, pharmaceutical sales, etc. Almost every state requires a veterinary technician/technologist to take and pass a credentialing exam. Passing this exam ensures the public that the veterinary technician has entry-level knowledge of the duties they are asked to perform in the veterinary clinic or hospital.”

That’s important to keep in mind. You don’t have to be working in a general practice small animal hospital giving vaccines to cats and dogs. You have the option to work with small animals (cats/dogs), large animals (horses/cows/sheep), exotics (birds/reptiles/rodents), zoo animals, wildlife animals. You can work in a hospital, or you can work in a research lab. You can work in industrial jobs or government/military jobs. There’s a huge variety of options.

VETERINARY TECHNICIAN: “A veterinary technician is a graduate from a two-year, American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program from a community college, college or university.”

VETERINARY TECHNOLOGIST: “A veterinary technologist has graduated from an AVMA accredited bachelor degree program.”

VTS: “A veterinary technician or technologist specialist has met the same requirements as above plus spends about 75% of their time doing a specific task and has passed a specialist certification exam administered by a Specialist Academy. Currently, there are eleven academies offering specialty certification.”

Keep in mind this is a huge amount of work. It requires a lot of experience, hard work, and studying to become a VTS. 

Giving you even more variety, the VTS specializing options are:Laboratory AnimalAnesthesia and Analgesia Behavior Clinical PathologyClinical Practice - Canine/FelineClinical Practice - Avian/ExoticClinical Practice - Production Animal  DentalDermatology Emergency and Critical CareEquineInternal Medicine - Small AnimalInternal Medicine - Large AnimalInternal Medicine - CardiologyInternal Medicine - OncologyInternal Medicine - Neurology NutritionOphthalmology SurgeryZoological Medicine 

VETERINARY ASSISTANT: “The veterinary assistant may have training through a high school, college certificate program or through a distant learning program over the Internet. Most, however, are trained on the job by the veterinarian or the veterinary technician. Their role is to assist the veterinarian or the veterinary technician in their daily tasks as well as some basic duties such as setting up of equipment and cleaning of key areas in the clinic like the surgery suite. Some may be asked to do kennel cleaning and janitorial work as well. NAVTA has recently created a Approved Veterinary Assistant program.”

——

In an attempt to clear up some of the CVT/LVT/RVT confusion, also from the NAVTA website:

CREDENTIALED: “The current terminology recognized by decree of both NAVTA and the AVMA is “Veterinary Technician”. Whether you are an LVT, RVT or CVT the term used is mandated by the technician’s state of residence. Here are some definitions to help understand why all three terms are in use.”

CERTIFIED: “Is the recognition by the private sector of voluntarily achieved standards. Certification is usually bestowed by a private sector, nonprofit, professional association or independent board upon those members who achieve specified standards. Certification is therefore distinguished from licensure because it is generally non-governmental and voluntary. Confusion can result when the title “certified” is used for a licensed profession, such as Certified Public Accountant. Many CVTs in the U.S. are recognized by government agencies, such as boards of veterinary medical examiners, which also adds to the confusion. States that currently certify veterinary technicians include Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Vermont, Wisconsin and Wyoming.”

REGISTERED: “Refers to the keeping of lists of practitioners by a governmental agency. It can be equivalent to licensure but may also be distinguished from licensure in that criteria for registration may not exist, and registration may not be required for practice. States that currently register veterinary technicians include California, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and West Virginia.

LICENSED: “Is understood as the permission to do something as given by an authority, with the implication that one would not be permitted to do this thing without permission. To be licensed is more than a statement of qualification, as certification is. It is a statement of qualification, and it is the right to do a thing otherwise not permitted by a given authority. Both certification and licensure, however, carry the connotation of trust, belief and confidence; for without these attributes, the certification or the license would have little worth. States that license veterinary technicians include Alaska, Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Michigan, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington.”

——

It’s actually very difficult to find Licensed Veterinary technicians, so a lot of practices use on-the-job training, and teach people (over the course of years) the different skills a veterinary technician needs. Again, the legality of this varies by state, but it is done VERY often. 

Legally, if licensure is required in these states, these employees are “assistants” and have a limit to what they should be doing. Some LVTs are insulted by these employees being called “technicians”, as the LVTs worked hard through their schooling and exams to earn that title. On the other side of the spectrum, some un-credentialed employees working as technicians will tell you that licensing means nothing - and that some of the most skilled technicians never went to school. 

I am not going to TOUCH this very controversial area - as I have seen both perspectives.

—-

Okay, anon. More from NAVTA:“Where are the programs for veterinary technicians/technologists?There are over 230 AVMA accredited Veterinary Technology Programs located around the United States. You can earn either an Associate Degree, which takes 2 years or a Bachelor’s Degree, which takes 4 years at the various community colleges, colleges and universities offering a veterinary technology program. There are a number of distance learning veterinary technology programs that are also AVMA accredited and can be accessed through the web. The cost varies from school to school. You should contact the school of your choice and they will be able to give you information regarding tuition, as well as financial aid.Where are the programs for veterinary assistants?Individuals interested in attending a NAVTA Approved Veterinary Assistant Program may review the current list of approved schools on NAVTAs AVA webpage. NAVTA currently approves 35 programs throughout the US and Canada with three online programs approved.”

Personally - I don’t see the point in a veterinary assistant program since most are inexperienced people who learn everything on the job. The veterinary assistant programs are very new. 

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NAVTA on not going to school:“In most states you can’t become credentialed without graduating from an accredited veterinary technology program. Very few states currently have an “alternate route” that allows people to sit for the exam, however there are a number of prerequisites that must be met before taking the exam. In 2000 there was a ruling by the Association of American Veterinary State Boards that within ten years they will no longer allow the National Veterinary Technician Exam to be used under these circumstances. If you are in a position to attend a veterinary technology program in your state it is well worth the effort. The amount of knowledge behind the skills you already know will astound you. If you cannot physically get to a program, there are five Distance Learning Programs that are currently accredited by the AVMA that can be taken via the Internet.”

Again, I have to recommend going to an actual school if at all possible. In my experience, online classes don’t give you the hands-on experience you need in this particular field. Being in a classroom and having labs will help immensely. (In addition to getting LOTS of experience in a hospital!)

——

In regards to not having money for school - most people don’t! What kind of graduating high schooler has $50k/year for college? 

Are you SURE there’s no programs around you? Check out NAVTA’s website and see if you’re missing any. If not, you unfortunately may have to travel.

You can save money by commuting and driving to class every day, but if that’s not an option, you may just have to use a loan for dorming/renting an apartment for the 2-4 years you’re away at school. You will NOT be alone in doing that.

If your mom wants you to get your bachelor’s so badly - is she willing to help you at all with college costs? If she can’t/won’t, look into (both private and government) student loans. Most people get through college on student loans, and once you have a steady salary, you can worry about paying them back. 

If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll even get some financial aid that you don’t have to pay back! In addition, you can try applying for scholarships. 

When you get a job, sometimes there is loan forgiveness. Not sure how this applies to veterinary technicians specifically, but if you work for a government job (public health, food animal production, military, etc.) or even a big corporation, sometimes they will offer to pay back your school loans if you commit to working for them for a certain amount of time. 

——

You can definitely get your associates or bachelor’s degree while deciding what you want to do. If possible, I would aim for a program that has an Animal Science degree. You will have access to a lot more relevant classes and hands-on experience. For example, I was able to take classes like Comparative Mammalian Anatomy, Animal Nutrition, Animal Reproduction, Companion Animal Science, etc. in addition to working with laboratory animals and farm animals over 4 years. That will probably be harder to find with a program for a degree in biology. Biology will be focusing a lot on humans, in addition to plants and the environment. 

However, if you definitely want to become a veterinary technician, I would just go straight to veterinary technician school. 

If you (or your mom) want you to have your bachelor’s degree - it sounds like a 4-year veterinary technologist program (as opposed to a 2-year veterinary technician program) would work for both purposes. You would have your bachelor’s degree, and you would have finished a program allowing you to take the VTNE exam. 

——

Some Links:NAVTA (technicians/assistants)AVMA (veterinary)

——

Good luck!

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Average Student Loan Debt Statistics

Are you or a loved one preparing to pursue a college degree? Whether you are a student planning to gain knowledge in a certain field or a parent budgeting for your child’s higher education, understanding your monetary responsibility is absolutely imperative. As the need for undergraduate degrees becomes more prevalent, so does the financial burden on those pursuing it.

Student loan debt is currently the highest it has ever been. According to the Institute for College Access & Success, two out of every three graduating seniors in 2018 had student loans and the average debt was $29,200. This is an increase from the previous year, which saw an average student loan debt of $28,650. This is a significant shift, especially as the cost of college continues to increase and considering the demand for highly educated employees in the workforce.

Bachelor degree graduates are generally better prepared to attain higher paying employment, but even these individuals often find it difficult to repay student debt. Graduates from certain groups in particular such as minority, low-income, and first generation students are more likely to default on their loans. With proper college planning, incoming students may be able to offset some financial responsibility with alternative forms of aid. While student loans may still be necessary, scholarships, grants, and work study can help individuals graduate with less debt overall.

Tuition Costs

Total Student Debt

Average Debt by State

Student Debt by Age

Private vs. Public Loans

Loan Payment Status

Delinquency Status

Types of Financial Aid

The Increase of Tuition Costs

The cost of earning a four-year, undergraduate degree has increased drastically over the years. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average inflated tuition for all college and university types was $5,504 in the 1985-86 academic year. The average tuition for the 2016-17 academic year was a staggering $26,593. While students can pay less by attending public institutions in their state of residency, the total amount due was still nearly $20,000 for a single year.

As tuition rates increase year after year, so do student loan balances. More and more students are forced to request additional loans to complete their educations, but do not receive increased salaries to match. This means recent graduates are likely to pay more interest over time and stay in debt longer.

Number of Student Loan Borrowers by Age

Millions of Borrowers

Year under 30 30-39 40-49 50-59 60+ 2004 11.3 5.7 3.2 2.1 0.6 2005 12.1 6.1 3.5 2.4 0.7 2006 12.9 6.7 3.9 2.8 0.9 2007 13.4 7.2 4.1 3.1 1.1 2008 14.2 8.0 4.4 3.5 1.3 2009 15.3 8.8 4.8 3.8 1.5 2010 16.2 9.6 5.3 4.2 1.7 2011 15.5 9.8 5.5 4.3 1.9 2012 15.1 10.9 6.0 4.7 2.2 2013 17.4 11.4 6.2 4.9 2.4 2014 17.4 11.8 6.5 5.0 2.6 2015 17.3 12.1 6.8 5.2 2.8 2016 17.1 12.2 7.0 5.2 3.0 2017 16.8 12.3 7.3 5.2 3.2

Total Student Debt Loan Balance

The total amount of student debt in the United States is substantial. According to Federal Student Aid, an official organization of the United States government, there were over $1.5 trillion dollars of outstanding student loan debt in 2019. The loans measured in these statistics include Direct Loans, Federal Family Education Loans, and Perkins Loans, with Direct Loans having the highest outstanding balance. This debt is spread between 42.9 million unduplicated recipients. It is worth noting that the 2019 total is up significantly from 2016, when the total student loan debt was $1.29 trillion.

It is also important to realize that there are several different types of student loans: Stafford, Grad PLUS, Parent PLUS, Perkins, and Consolidation. Stafford loans may be subsidized or unsubsidized. The federal government pays interest on subsidized loans during select periods (namely when you are still in school and for a grace period afterwards), but not for unsubsidized loans. It is, however, generally easier to receive unsubsidized loans for just this reason.

In 2019, the combined amount of Stafford loan debt was $796.7 billion, with $516 billion unsubsidized.

Total Student Loan Balances by Year

Billions of Dollars

2004 $345 Billion 2005 $391 Billion 2006 $481 Billion 2007 $547 Billion 2008 $639 Billion 2009 $721 Billion 2010 $811 Billion 2011 $873 Billion 2012 $965 Billion 2013 $1.079 Trillion 2014 $1.155 Trillion 2015 $1.231 Trillion 2016 $1.316 Traillion 2017 $1.386 Trillion

Average Debt for College Graduates by State

Total student loan debt varies significantly based on the type of degree sought. According to the Pew Research Center, the median amount of outstanding debt for a graduate with a postgraduate degree is $45,000, while those seeking associate degrees or certificates have a median debt of only $10,000. Bachelor’s degree graduates fall in the middle, with a median loan debt of $25,000.

Student loan debt also varies by state. Students graduating from colleges and universities in South Carolina, for example, had an average debt of $30,838 after the 2017-18 academic year. Those graduating from Washington state, only had an average debt of $23,524. The states with the highest average graduate debt include Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and New Jersey. Connecticut tops the list with an average debt of $38,669. The lowest recorded average graduate debt was $19,728 in Utah.

Debt by State

State Average Debt of Graduates (2017-18) Average Debt Rank Percent of Graduates with Debt (2017-18) Alabama $29,469 23 51% Alaska NA NA NA Arizona NA NA NA Arkansas 26,579 37 53% California $22,585 46 49% Colorado $24,888 40 52% Connecticut $38,669 1 59% Delaware $34,144 6 62% District of Columbia $34,046 7 51% Florida $24,428 42 44% Georgia $28,824 27 57% Hawaii $24,162 43 47% Idaho $27,682 31 62% Illinois $29,855 22 66% Indiana $29,064 26 57% Iowa $30,045 20 63% Kansas $26,764 35 58% Kentucky $28,435 29 64% Louisiana $27,151 33 49% Maine $32,676 8 61 Maryland $29,178 25 55% Massachusetts $31,882 12 57% Michigan $32,158 10 59% Minnesota $32,317 9 68% Mississippi $30,117 19 58 Missouri $29,224 24 58% Montana $28,032 30 57% Nebraska $26,422 38 55% Nevada $22,600 45 51% New Hampshire $36,776 3 76% New Jersey $34,387 5 64% New Mexico $21,858 47 49% New York $31,127 15 59% North Carolina $26,683 36 56% North Dakota NA NA NA Ohio $30,323 18 60% Oklahoma $25,221 39 47% Oregon $28,628 28 55% Pennsylvania $37,061 2 65% Rhode Island $36,036 4 63% South Carolina $30,838 16 58% South Dakota $31,895 11 72% Tennessee $26,838 34 55% Texas $27,293 32 56% Utah $19,728 48 36% Vermont $31,431 14 63% Virginia $30,363 17 57% Washington $23,524 44 48% West Virginia $30,014 21 65% Wisconsin $31,705 13 64% Wyoming $24,474 41 46%

Student Loan Debt Balances by Age

Student loan debt plagues people of all ages. According to the Pew Research Center, 15% of all adults say they currently have outstanding student loan debt. About one-third of individuals ages 18 to 29 are paying off their education - whether they graduated or not. In 2019, 15 million borrowers, ages 25 to 34, were responsible for a total of $501.5 billion in outstanding debt, accounting for nearly half of the total. Those ages 35 to 49 had $575.5 billion in debt.

Because many are able to pay down their loans over time, the number of people with student debt does decrease in higher age brackets. It is worth noting, however, that 2.1 million individuals 62 years of age and older still had $75.9 billion in outstanding debt in 2019.

Student Loan Balances by Age Groups

Billions of Dollars

Year under 30 30-39 40-49 50-59 60+ 2004 147.8 112.3 48.7 29.5 6.3 2005 162.4 127.6 56.4 36.4 8.2 2006 196.3 154.8 69.8 48.2 12.2 2007 219.8 174.5 80.0 56.4 15.9 2008 250.9 205.4 94.4 67.6 20.4 2009 275.9 232.2 109.0 78.5 25.3 2010 301.2 261.2 128.5 89.6 30.8 2011 316.4 282.0 141.7 97.0 35.4 2012 322.7 320.2 167.3 111.3 43.0 2013 362.0 354.1 188.1 124.9 49.8 2014 370.5 383.1 207.6 136.5 57.7 2015 376.4 408.4 229.6 149.7 66.7 2016 383.2 437.4 255.6 163.2 76.3 2017 383.8 461.0 278.9 177.2 85.4

Private vs. Public Loan Debt

Total student loan debt also varies based on the type of college or university attended. While proprietary and foreign schools are available, the most common degree sources are public and private institutions. Attending a private college or university tends to cost more per year, but the majority of students opt to receive a public education.

It is important to note that debt amounts for attending both public and private institutions are steadily increasing, while the number of borrowers is remaining relatively steady. Public school students had $581.1 billion in outstanding debt in 2017, but $641.9 billion of outstanding debt in 2019. Similarly, private school students had $451.7 billion in outstanding debt in 2017 and $501.8 billion of outstanding debt in 2019.

Student Loan Debt by Loan Type

Federal Fiscal Year Q4 Stafford Subsidized Dollars Outstanding (in billions) Stafford Unsubsidized Dollars Outstanding (in billions) Stafford (Combined) Dollars Outstanding (in billions) Grad PLUS Dollars Outstanding (in billions) Parent PLUS Dollars Outstanding (in billions) Perkins Dollars Outstanding (in billions) Consolidation Dollars Outstanding (in billions) 2014 $258.8 $370.8 $629.7 $41.2 $65.1 $8.2 $385.8 2015 $264.8 $404.9 $669.7 $46.8 $71.1 $8.1 $416.7 2016 $270.1 $436.1 $706.2 $53.0 $77.8 $7.9 $447.3 2017 $273.1 $462.4 $735.5 $59.7 $83.9 $7.6 $480.3 2018 $277.5 $489.6 $767.1 $67.0 $89.9 $7.1 $508.0 2019 $280.7 $516.0 $796.7 $75.2 $96.1 $6.1 $536.1

Student Loan Statistics by Repayment Plan

In 2019, the average student loan payment was between $200 and $299 per month. Most borrowers enroll in standard repayment plans for their student loans. This requires a minimum monthly payment, which varies depending on the loan type and amount.

It is important to realize, however, that the total amount paid each month does not go towards paying down the principle balance. A portion of the payment is for the loan interest. Interest adds up quickly, especially during deferment periods, and the total amount borrowers ultimately pay will depend on the interest rate and whether or not they are able to pay extra each month to bring their principle further down.

Paying the minimum amount can keep your payments low, but paying this alone will result in a longer repayment period. If possible, it is best to make larger payments to lower the principle balance faster.

Payment Status Debt by Age and Ethnicity

Making regular student loan debt payments can be difficult, especially for individuals who did not complete their degrees. This is likely because they lack the educational requirements necessary to attain jobs that offer high enough salaries to afford loan repayment. Two out of every 10 adults with outstanding student loans are behind on their payments. Delinquency rates are lower among borrowers with associate, undergraduate, and graduate degrees.

High debt does not necessary correspond with difficulty making payments. In fact, graduates with more debt are more likely to pay regularly and on time. This is likely because higher educational levels are generally associated with higher earning power.

Those with certain ethnic backgrounds are more susceptible to debt delinquency. Approximately 15% of Hispanic students age 18 to 29 are behind on loan payments, while only 7% of white students in the same age bracket are behind. A staggering 28% of black students age 18 to 29 are behind on their loan payments. First-generation college students are also more than twice as likely as non-first-generation college students to fall behind on payments. These discrepancies could be due to differences in rates of degree completion, wages, family support, or other factors.

The chance of delinquency seems to diminish in older populations, likely due to the establishment of more stable employment.

Direct Student Loans by Repayment Plan

Federal Fiscal Year Q4 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Dollars Outstanding (in billions) Recipients (in millions) Dollars Outstanding (in billions) Recipients (in millions) Dollars Outstanding (in billions) Recipients (in millions) Dollars Outstanding (in billions) Recipients (in millions) Dollars Outstanding (in billions) Recipients (in millions) Level Repayment Plan (10 Years or Less) $183.9 11.08 $188.9 10.95 $197.5 10.99 $196.2 10.83 $200.7 10.76 Level Repayment Plan (10 Greater than 10 Years) $70.1 1.64 $72.5 1.65 $76.4 1.70 $76.5 1.69 $77.6 1.70 Graduated Repayment Plan (10 Years or Less) $60.7 2.43 $70.1 2.71 $77.7 2.89 $84.2 3.03 $90.4 3.12 Graduated Repayment Plan (10 Greater than 10 Years) $12.2 0.27 $12.9 0.28 $13.8 0.30 $15.1 0.32 $16.7 0.34 Income-Contingent (ICR) $22.1 0.61 $24.0 0.60 $26.8 0.62 $29.9 0.66 $33.6 0.71 Income-Based (IBR) $157.7 2.83 $173.1 3.07 $169.1 2.94 $168.5 2.83 $170.4 2.77 Pay As You Earn (PAYE) $30.5 0.77 $46.7 1.02 $61.6 1.14 $78.9 1.27 $96.7 1.39 Revised Pay As You Earn (REPAYE) NA NA $43.6 0.89 $95.0 1.79 $136.7 2.45 $168.9 2.90 Alternative $6.1 0.31 $5.6 0.29 $17.5 0.59 $31.8 0.96 $44.9 1.29

Student Loan Debt by Delinquency Status

When a borrower is unable to make a student loan payment on time, he or she is considered delinquent. An account can be in delinquency status for a long time, during which interest is still charged. Being delinquent on student loans may also void interest rate discounts and negatively impact credit scores.

While a borrower can remain in loan delinquency for an extended period of time, the consequences become more severe the longer it lasts. Eventually, delinquent loans will be placed into default status, which requires the debt be paid in full immediately. This also generally causes a significant credit score drop and results in higher interest rates on future loans. Additionally, the crediting agency will have the right to garnish wages, withhold tax refunds, take Social Security benefits, refuse to issues new federal student loans or grants, and even charge additional fees to cover collections and court costs until the balance is paid in full.

Federally Managed Loans by Loan Status

Federal Fiscal Year Q4 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Dollars Outstanding (in billions) Recipients (in millions) Dollars Outstanding (in billions) Recipients (in millions) Dollars Outstanding (in billions) Recipients (in millions) Dollars Outstanding (in billions) Recipients (in millions) Dollars Outstanding (in billions) Recipients (in millions) In-School $143.3 7.7 $139.3 7.5 $138.0 7.4 $131.6 7.0 $125.9 6.9 Grace $50.5 2.0 $48.6 1.9 $44.0 1.7 $45.2 1.8 $24.4 1.1 Repayment $523.6 16.9 $587.3 17.7 $661.2 18.8 $719.2 19.3 $761.7 20 Deferment $114.5 3.7 $120.2 3.7 $129.1 3.8 $132.4 3.7 $118.7 3.4 Forbearance $106.1 2.7 $122.3 3.1 $118.6 2.7 $130.2 2.9 $130.9 2.8 Cumulative in Default* $99.2 6.2 $119.7 6.7 $140.3 7.2 $161.3 7.6 $167.7 7.7

Best Types of Financial Aid

Scholarships

One of the best types of financial aid is a scholarship. Unlike loans, the money awarded through scholarships does not have to be paid back afterward. Funding amounts can range from a few hundred dollars to a full ride and is usually offered by individuals or private organizations. Applicants may be assessed on several factors including, but not limited to, academic performance, athletic ability, religious affiliation, career goals, race, or a combination of these. You can also apply for and receive multiple scholarships at a time.

Grants

Like scholarships, grants also do not need to be repaid. This type of funding is generally offered by the federal and state government, although some colleges and universities offer grants as well. Grants can be merit-based, need-based, career-specific, or student-specific. The Pell Grant, for example, is awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant, however, only offers aid to undergraduates who plan to become teachers in high-need fields and low-income areas (and changes from a grant to a loan if you do not work in a high needs position).

Work Study

Another financial aid option is work study. Work study programs allow students to earn additional money by taking a federally funded job on campus. Jobs are filled on a first-come-first-serve basis and generally consist of work in institution student centers, career centers, and residence halls. While funds received this way are intended to assist with education-related expenses, students can use them as needed.

Accumulating student loan debt is unavoidable for many incoming students, but there are ways to limit this financial burden. Planning for college early is essential. Start by identifying all possible expenses and establishing a functional budget. Knowing the necessary fixed expenses such as rent, tuition, books, car payments, utilities, and food will provide a clearer financial picture. Students can then work toward finding ways to live within their means and avoid the accumulation of too much additional debt.

It's also a good idea to begin thinking about other means of financial aid some time before beginning the application process. Applying for scholarships and grants is imperative and can have a huge impact on future financial stability. Applications should be submitted as early as possible to ensure the highest level of positive return.

sources:

National Center for Education Statistics

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System

Federal Student Loan Portfolio.

Ticas.org

New York Fed

  Average Student Loan Debt Statistics is available on UniversityHQ

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The 50 best places to live in America for 2018

ShutterstockAustin, Texas, took the top spot for the second year in a row. Shutterstock U.S. News & World Report releases a list of the best places to live in America every year.The best places to live 2018 ranking looked at five metrics: job market, value, quality of life, desirability, and net migration.The best place to live in America is Austin, Texas, followed by Colorado Springs, Colorado.

When deciding where to put down roots, many factors are in the eye of the beholder, such as climate, politics, or proximity to extended family.

Other aspects are coveted by nearly everybody: affordable housing, access to well-paying jobs, a low cost of living, good schools, and quality healthcare. In its ranking of the best places to live in America for 2018, U.S. News & World Report gathered data on these crucial components for more than 100 US cities.

They then categorized the data into five indexes for each city — job market, value, quality of life, desirability, and net migration — to definitively rank these major metro areas. You can read U.S. News’ full methodology here.

Scores for "value," a blend of annual household income and cost of living, and "quality of life," which accounts for crime, college readiness, commute, and other factors, are included below on a 10-point scale, as well as the city’s population and average annual salary.

Austin, Texas, came out on top for the second consecutive year, while Colorado Springs, Colorado, jumped from No. 11 to take the No. 2 spot, edging out the state’s capital, Denver, which rounded out the top three.

Nearly a dozen cities made the top-50 list for the first time since 2017, including Huntsville, Alabama; Asheville, North Carolina; and Anchorage, Alaska.

Keep reading to discover the 50 best places to live in America.

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50. Lansing, Michigan

Population: 470,348

Average annual salary: $47,550

Quality of life: 7.0

Value index: 7.1

Lansing, the diverse capital of Michigan, earns a spot on the list for its affordability, abundance of jobs, and local flavor. The area is home to everyone from career government workers to recent college graduates, and "you can go from a college campus to a waving wheat field in 10 minutes," one local expert said.

Residents love Lansing for its sports culture and fine arts scene, and although it gets chilly in the winters, the sunny summers more than make up for it.

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49. Cincinnati, Ohio

Population: 2,146,410

Average annual salary: $48,130

Quality of life: 6.4

Value: 7.7

Cincinnati is a city that loves its food, sports, and culture. There’s something for everyone in the Midwest’s Queen City, from a strong job market to a busy event calendar filled with museums, baseball, and local heritage events.

Residents appreciate the city’s affordability — housing there is cheaper than the national average, despite Cincinnati being one of the 30 biggest metro areas in the US.

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48. Syracuse, New York

Population: 660,652

Average annual salary: $48,530

Quality of life: 7.1

Value: 7.6

It might get 124 inches-plus of snow per year, but don’t let the blustery climate deter you: Syracuse boasts a low cost of living, easy access to both the city center and surrounding suburbs, and a host of cultural activities, including the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology and the Rosamond Gifford Zoo.

Home to Syracuse University, the town also rallies behind the Orange during basketball season, cheering the team to victory.

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47. Atlanta, Georgia

Population: 5,612,777

Average annual salary: $50,720

Quality of life: 5.8

Value index: 7.0

An attractive blend of big city and big country, Atlanta is attracting transplants far and wide with its award-winning restaurants, culture centers, and flourishing job market. More than a dozen Fortune 500 companies call the city home, including Delta, The Home Depot, and The Coca-Cola Company, and it’s an increasingly popular spot for film productions.

In addition, "The Chattahoochee River that traverses the metro area, and Stone Mountain, the world’s largest chunk of exposed granite, located just northeast of the city proper, also offer a quick escape from any urban anxiety," says one local expert.

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46. Hartford, Connecticut

Population: 1,211,826

Average annual salary: $58,400

Quality of life: 7.0

Value index: 6.7

Located in the Connecticut River Valley, Hartford was once the home to notable historic figures, including Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe. Among the city’s historic attractions, today it offers nearby entertainment venues, ski slopes, state parks.

The aerospace, healthcare, and financial services industries dominate the job market in Hartford, which is home to Aetna Inc., United Technologies Corp., and Hartford Hospital.

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45. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Population: 561,447

Average annual salary: $47,220

Quality of life: 6.7

Value index: 7.4

Located on the banks of the Susquehanna River and the foothills of the Appalachian Trail, Harrisburg offers residents unlimited access to the outdoors. Many are employed by the state and federal government in Harrisburg, but there’s also several large private-sector companies that are top employers, including Hershey’s, Rite Aid, and D&H Distributing.

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44. Jacksonville, Florida

Population: 1,424,097

Average annual salary: $45,140

Quality of life: 6.7

Value index: 6.3

Jacksonville’s beach-adjacent location makes it ideal for outdoor activities. In addition to spending lazy days in the sand, residents can also visit the area’s prime golf courses or go hiking, camping, and kayaking in the nearby parks. Jacksonville also continues to grow, with burgeoning art and music scenes, as well as new business development, according to a local expert.

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43. Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Population: 654,589

Average annual salary: $44,100

Quality of life: 6.5

Value index: 7.1

The cost of living in Winston-Salem is a bargain. The city’s average housing costs remain well below the national average — renters pay about $200 less per month for a one-bedroom apartment than their counterparts around the country.

Residents can also take advantage of the city’s cultural offerings with visits to the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art and the Reynolda House Museum of American Art.

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42. Anchorage, Alaska

Population: 398,000

Average annual salary: $57,770

Quality of life: 6.4

Value index: 7.5

Alaska is often a tough sell for Americans from the lower 48 states. It’s freezing cold for much of the year, and thanks to Alaska’s isolation, costs for basic things like groceries are much higher than you’ll see in other states.

That said, Anchorage makes a compelling argument for people looking for a new home: It has a booming, diverse population but enjoys a distinctly small-town vibe. Not to mention, it’s a haven for adventure seekers and nature lovers, as well as quirky events like the Summer Solstice Festival and the Mr. Fur Face Beard and Mustache Contest. And because the summers are so short, residents take advantage of every minute.

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41. Ft. Meyers, Florida

Population: 680,970

Average annual salary: $40,420

Quality of life: 6.3

Value index: 5.2

The charming streets of Fort Myers attract people of all ages, even if the southwestern Florida city is better known as a retirement destination. More than a third of the rapidly growing population is under 34 years old. Residents take advantage of Fort Myers’ vibrant downtown, and the city’s convenient location on Florida’s Gulf Coast lends itself to water activities like boating and fishing. People in Fort Myers tend to pay a little extra for real estate and transportation, but they save thanks to Florida’s lack of state income taxes.

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40. Fort Wayne, Indiana

Population: 426,755

Average annual salary: $42,250

Quality of life: 6.1

Value index: 8.7

The Rust Belt hub of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is seeing something of a revitalization as of late. Manufacturers including General Motors and BAE Systems have brought jobs to the area, while its economy is seeing a spike from young people eager to move downtown from the suburbs.

"With its low cost of living and quiet neighborhoods, Fort Wayne, Indiana, is an excellent place to buy a house, start a career, launch a business and raise children," a local expert said.

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39. Albany, New York

Population: 879,291

Average annual salary: $52,340

Quality of life: 6.9

Value: 7.2

Despite the snowy winters, living in Albany comes with several advantages. Albany offers a cost of living lower than the national average and the cost of housing sits well below the rest of the US as a whole. In terms of jobs, the city’s tech and healthcare industries are on the rise.

Albany’s downtown is lined with art galleries, wine shops, and churches for visitors to peruse. In keeping with the city’s cold climate, hockey is the sport of choice for residents.

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38. Charleston, South Carolina

Population: 728,271

Average annual salary: $44,500

Quality of life: 6.2

Value index: 6.2

Charleston’s charming, historic, and sophisticated ambiance is exemplary of southern culture. "Not only is the area overflowing with entertainment and good food, but this low country locale is also gorgeous," said a local expert.

Tourism is booming in Charleston, creating plenty of jobs, especially in the summer months. Year-round, jobs in tech, sales, marketing, and advertising keep the city’s economy strong.

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37. Manchester, New Hampshire

Population: 404,948

Average annual salary: $51,920

Quality of life: 7.0

Value index: 6.7

Manchester, New Hampshire may be smaller than most metropolitan areas on the east coast, but it makes up for it with its strong culture, youthful vibe, and political character. New Hampshire’s largest town skews young and educated thanks to the various colleges that call with home.

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36. Columbus, Ohio

Population: 1,995,004

Average annual salary: $48,850

Quality of life: 6.5

Value index: 7.4

Ohio’s capital is a bustling city with a youthful flavor and a passion for sports, music, and entertainment. For many residents, life revolves around the Ohio State University football team — "the region lives and breathes football," as one local expert put it. But it’s the business-friendly economy and affordability that contributes to its entry on this list. Between home prices, monthly rents, and the overall cost of living, Columbus is cheaper than most metros of its size.

16/

35. Honolulu, Hawaii

Population: 986,999

Average annual salary: $51,080

Quality of life: 6.5

Value index: 4.7

Often considered the cultural and culinary hub of the Hawaiian islands, according to U.S. News’ local expert, Honolulu abounds with shopping centers, restaurants, and miles of beaches. It’s on the expensive side when it comes to cost of living — but you can’t beat the year-round tropical temperatures.

17/

34. Sarasota, Florida

Population: 751,422

Average annual salary: $41,870

Quality of life: 7.3

Value index: 5.3

Sarasota boasts "warm temperatures year-round, award-winning beaches, and a thriving arts and cultural scene," said a local expert. The biggest employers in Sarasota are in education, trade, and transportation, and the leisure and hospitality sector touts a low unemployment rate powered by a recent increase in tourism and a flood of new residents.

18/

33. Reno, Nevada

Population: 443,855

Average annual salary: $45,210

Quality of life: 7.3

Value index: 6.3

Reno, Nevada, is much more than a tourist town. "America’s Biggest Little City" may have been built on the gambling industry, but today offers opportunities in a number of fields including technology and education. The city offers plenty of family-friendly outdoor activities, and people of all ages are drawn there for it’s strong economy and job opportunities.

19/

32. Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Population: 533,110

Average annual salary: $43,000

Quality of life: 7.7

Value index: 7.0

In Lancaster, residents can breeze through numerous environments in the course of a day, from rolling farmland to busy city streets to quiet suburbs. Though dairy farming rules the economy here, major companies, including Kellogg’s and Mars, also call the area home.

Lancaster might be famous for its Amish and Mennonite population, but the town is also bustling with a mix of college students and non-religious families.

20/

31. Greenville, South Carolina

Population: 862,064

Average annual salary: $42,290

Quality of life: 6.7

Value index: 7.2

Once a sleepy small town, Greenville has witnessed a cultural revival in recent years, complete with an influx of new restaurants and businesses. Though the summers can get hot, the city’s typically mild weather make it possible to explore downtown on foot anytime of the year.

An influx of manufacturing jobs have also boosted Greenville’s economy, with brand-name companies, such as GE and Michelin, setting up shop in town.

21/

30. San Diego, California

Population: 3,253,356

Average annual salary: $55,480

Quality of life: 7.2

Value index: 4.1

With year-round sunshine and beautiful beaches to boot, it’s easy to enjoy living in San Diego. According to U.S. News, this Southern California gem "offers world-class dining, professional sports, and entertainment options" for college students, young professionals, and families alike.

Tourism is a huge industry in San Diego — which sees more than 30 million visitors annually — but the city’s seaside location is more than just eye candy. Some of the area’s largest employers include the US Navy and the Marine Corps.

22/

29. Melbourne, Florida

Population: 560,683

Average annual salary: $46,520

Quality of life: 7.1

Value index: 6.2

Between fishing, boating, and a plethora of bars and restaurants, there’s never a shortage of things to do in the Melbourne area. The city’s ripe with retirees and "snowbirds" — people who split their time between colder climates in the summer and Florida in the winter — who can enjoy days on one of the many nearby golf courses and nights out exploring the local shops and art galleries.

23/

28. Omaha, Nebraska

Population: 904,834

Average annual salary: $46,490

Quality of life: 6.6

Value index: 7.9

Due to a combination of Omaha’s history of cattle ranching and its current landscape of bustling tech startups, the city has earned the nickname "Silicon Prairie." Plus, eight Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in Omaha, including Berkshire Hathaway, Union Pacific Railroad, and Mutual of Omaha. Young professionals and families are attracted to the city primarily for its affordability, safety, and strong economy.

24/

27. Portland, Maine

Population: 523,874

Average annual salary: $47,770

Quality of life: 7.2

Value index: 6.4

Located right on the water at Casco Bay and lined with cobblestone streets, Portland immediately evokes the quaintness of a much smaller town. Between fishing, sailing, cross-country skiing, and exploring the city’s buzzing nightlife, there’s no shortage of things to do. Seafood lovers can nosh on fresh catches at the city’s modern oyster bars and or grab one of Maine’s signature lobster rolls.

25/

26. Houston, Texas

Population: 6,482,592

Average annual salary: $52,870

Quality of life: 6.9

Value index: 7.1

Houston is a major player in the oil and gas, manufacturing, aerospace, and healthcare industries — it’s also home to 26 Fortune 500 companies. According to one local expert, "a paycheck goes further in Houston than it does in other major cities, with affordable housing and free or cheap attractions." Plus, the city has an affinity for food, counting some 11,000 restaurants within its boundaries.

26/

25. Boston, Massachusetts

Population: 4,728,844

Average annual salary: $64,080

Quality of life: 6.5

Value index: 5.9

Boston attracts a diverse group of residents, including everyone from recent college graduates to retirees and musicians to engineers. The historical city — often referred to as the "Cradle of Liberty," according to one local expert — also overflows with team spirit for the Red Sox and 2017 Super Bowl champions, the Patriots.

27/

24. Asheville, North Carolina

Population: 441,724

Average annual salary: $40,330

Quality of life: 7.2

Value index: 6.3

It’s no surprise why the mountain town of Asheville, North Carolina, is beloved by tourists and residents alike. Nestled in between the Blue Ride and Appalachian mountains, Asheville is a magnet for outdoors lovers as well as fans of music, art, and craft beer.

28/

23. Boise, Idaho

Population: 663,680

Average annual salary: $43,040

Quality of life: 6.8

Value index: 7.4

Idaho’s capital city is "a recreationalist’s paradise," according to one local expert, who also said Boise sits "squarely on the boundary of urban and rural, civilized and wild, refined and raw." The region is home to more than 22,000 Boise State University students and provides jobs at government agencies as well as in tech and healthcare.

29/

22. Charlotte, North Carolina

Population: 2,381,152

Average annual salary: $49,600

Quality of life: 6.4

Value index: 7.5

A "melting pot effect" draws all types of people to Charlotte, a place with "equal parts old-fashioned southern charm and high-energy cosmopolitan bustle," touted one local expert. NASCAR and motorsports are a cultural cornerstone of Charlotte. The Queen City houses Bank of America’s headquarters and major offices for Wells Fargo, making it one of the largest financial hubs in the country.

30/

21. Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky

Population: 495,193

Average annual salary: $43,620

Quality of life: 7.1

Value index: 7.8

Lexington, Kentucky, is known as the horse capital of the world, and residents are especially proud of their city’s reputation for equestrian. On top of world-famous horse parks and race courses, the area has more than 1,000 horse farms, not to mention streets named after Triple Crown winners and a bevy of horse statues in parks around the city. But a love of equestrian isn’t the only thing Lexington offers.

Younger residents move there for its college-town feel and appreciation for local sports and music. And the area is a haven for fans of the outdoors — the nearby Red River Gorge and Cumberland Falls are scenic places for residents to explore their surroundings.

31/

20. San Francisco, California

Population: 4,577,530

Average annual salary: $69,110

Quality of life: 6.4

Value index: 5.3

A local expert described San Francisco as "the heart of the bohemian lifestyle, the epicenter of the LGBT rights movement, and the launching point of the technology era." In the last decade, thousands of tech companies have raced to set up shop in the Bay Area, sending the cost of living through the roof. But despite all the focus on the tech and startup scene, the city also has plenty of business jobs available with more than 30 international finance headquarters.

32/

19. Phoenix, Arizona

Population: 4,486,153

Average annual salary: $47,540

Quality of life: 6.8

Value index: 6.6

Come for the weather, stay for the city: Phoenix boasts more sunny days per year than any other city in the US, according to a local expert. But it’s the thriving job market, variety of shops and restaurants, and easy access to numerous outdoor activities — think everything from hiking to paddleboarding — that keep residents happy long-term.

33/

18. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas

Population: 6,957,123

Average annual salary: $50,350

Quality of life: 7.0

Value index: 7.1

A healthy balance of urban and rural, Dallas offers residents "big-city excitement and quiet, suburban living," shared one local expert. There’s local bars, retail shops, and plenty of sports spirit to satisfy the huge population. The city — with large large employers in business, finance, and education — is teeming with young professionals.

34/

17. San Jose, California

Population: 1,943,107

Average annual salary: $78,990

Quality of life: 7.4

Value index: 5.7

The sprawling city of San Jose is "as much defined by its suburban neighborhoods and large tech campuses as it is by the high-rises in its business district," said a local expert. Young residents and recent graduates of nearby Stanford and UC Berkeley have no trouble finding jobs in the area, which touts Cisco, eBay, and IBM as its largest private-sector employers.

35/

16. Madison, Wisconsin

Population: 634,269

Average annual salary: $50,830

Quality of life: 7.1

Value index: 7.3

Wisconsin’s capital is a "hotbed of the healthcare, information technology, and manufacturing industries," said a local expert. The area is also home to the University of Wisconsin at Madison, providing hundreds of jobs in education. Madison has a unique food culture that’s a blend of fine dining and farmer’s markets catering to the city’s college students, young professionals, and families.

36/

15. Salt Lake City, Utah

Population: 2,361,981

Average annual salary: $46,221

Quality of life: 6.9

Value index: 7.9

Salt Lake City might experience some of the snowiest weather in the country, but residents make the most of it through the multitude of ski resorts perched in the city���s backyard. In warmer weather, residents can take advantage of Salt Lake’s more than 900 acres of public parks and enjoy outdoor performances from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in Temple Square.

37/

14. San Antonio, Texas

Population: 2,332,345

Average annual salary: $45,210

Quality of life: 7.0

Value index: 7.0

At once a destination city and a down-home community, San Antonio offers up a variety of cuisines, music styles, and art for visitors and locals. The city hosts "more than 50 major events and festivals throughout the year," a number of which honor the area’s Spanish heritage, said a local expert. San Antonio is home to four military and air force bases and camps, collectively known as Joint Base San Antonio.

38/

13. Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina

Population: 1,786,119

Average annual salary: $52,669

Quality of life: 6.7

Value index: 7.8

Raleigh-Durham and Chapel Hill are collectively known as the Triangle, an area anchored by its foundation in research and tech. The Triangle employs nearly 40,000 residents at companies like IBM, SAS Institute Inc., and Cisco Systems as well as surrounding colleges Duke, North Carolina State, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A strong job market coupled with a burgeoning microbrewery and dining scene draws 80 new residents every day, said a local expert.

39/

12. Grand Rapids, Michigan

Population: 1,028,173

Average annual salary: $43,610

Quality of life: 7.7

Value index: 8.1

Grand Rapids attracts "college students and young families with its healthy job market, affordable housing, and outdoor recreational activities," said a local expert. The self-proclaimed "Beer City USA" has more than 40 breweries as well as dynamic public art and music scenes.

Once a hub for furniture production, Grand Rapids’ job market is now dominated by education and healthcare, with many opportunities for workers without a college degree.

40/

11. Nashville, Tennessee

Population: 1,794,570

Average annual salary: $45,780

Quality of life: 6.1

Value index: 7.3

Honky-tonk culture and an entrepreneurial spirit define Nashville. "A blossoming job market and an exploding entertainment scene [are] fueling an appetite (and thirst) for all things locally sourced and artisanal in craft," a local expert said. Thousands of residents work in healthcare at the area’s large hospitals and research centers, small startups, and business accelerator programs.

41/

10. Seattle, Washington

Population: 3,671,095

Average annual salary: $61,170

Quality of life: 6.2

Value index: 6.4

Seattle is sandwiched between water and mountains and doesn’t get as much rain as you’d think, said one local expert. The city’s residents are drawn to the area for its atmosphere of "calm and patience" and its close proximity to nature. Jobs in Seattle are concentrated in tech, healthcare, and maritime industries, but the city is also a huge manufacturing center for companies like Boeing.

42/

9. Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota

Population: 3,488,436

Average annual salary: $55,010

Quality of life: 6.9

Value index: 7.9

The Twin Cities have "big-city amenities like museums and sports stadiums, but also have an approachable, Midwestern feel," according to a local expert. Residents are accustomed to the area’s changing seasons, participating in ice fishing and cross-country skiing in the winter and music festivals and baseball games in the spring and summer.

Jobs are available in science-focused fields at companies like Xcel Energy and Medtronic as well as retail corporations like Best Buy and Target.

43/

8. Washington, DC

Population: 6,011,752

Average annual salary: $68,000

Quality of life: 6.4

Value index: 7.4

The District’s neighborhoods each give off their own vibe, but across the city residents often "gather for block parties, mingle at dog parks, and converse at coffee shops," explained a local expert. While Washington, DC, is known as a hub for politics, there’s also a strong job market for education and health services.

44/

7. Huntsville, Alabama

Population: 440,230

Average annual salary: $52,960

Quality of life: 7.0

Value index: 8.8

The once-sleepy town of Huntsville, Alabama, gained fame in the 1960s when it became a hub for NASA. Now Huntsville is undergoing another renaissance, with tech companies, craft breweries, and artists all flocking to the town in recent years.

Huntsville is the fastest-growing city in Alabama, and residents are enjoying an emerging downtown shopping and and dining scene even as the city maintains a low cost of living. If you can handle the heat and humidity, you might find yourself at home there.

45/

6. Portland, Oregon

Population: 2,351,319

Average annual salary: $53,960

Quality of life: 6.5

Value index: 6.5

Portland isn’t for everybody — its slogan is "Keep Portland Weird," after all. But one local expert asserts that it’s a "well-rounded city with more than just the offbeat shops and events" and a population that has "more academic degrees than the national average."

An annual job growth rate of 2.9% per year is attributed to roots in the technology sector, including major employer Intel Corporation, as well as the 6,000-employee headquarters for Nike, located about seven miles outside of Portland.

46/

5. Fayetteville, Arkansas

Population: 503,642

Average annual salary: $44,980

Quality of life: 7.5

Value index: 7.9

Fayetteville sits among the Ozark Mountains and is home to the University of Arkansas’ flagship campus. The surrounding area of northwest Arkansas is home to headquarters for seven Fortune 500 companies including Walmart and Tyson Foods. The city has experienced immense growth, according to a local expert, who said the region has evolved "from a small town to a center of higher education, culture, commerce, and entrepreneurialism."

47/

4. Des Moines, Iowa

Population: 611,755

Average annual salary: $49,420

Quality of life: 7.0

Value index: 8.5

Des Moines is drawing millennials and young families alike for its "one-of-a-kind shops, locally owned restaurants, and hip bars" as well as its historical residences in quiet neighborhoods, said a local expert. Home to more than 80 insurance companies including giants Allied Insurance and Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, the job market is thriving.

48/

3. Denver, Colorado

Population: 2,752,056

Average annual salary: $54,910

Quality of life: 6.7

Value index: 7.2

While Denver sits at the base of the Rocky Mountains, it’s not considered a mountain town since it takes at least an hour to get to the Rockies for snowboarding and ski activities, a local expert explained. At 5,279 feet, the Mile High City lives up to its name in more ways than one: In 2012, Colorado legalized recreational marijuana, paving the way for a flourishing and lucrative cannabis industry.

49/

2. Colorado Springs, Colorado

Population: 688,643

Average annual salary: $49,450

Quality of life: 7.2

Value index: 7.2

Colorado Springs is "booming, with new residences popping up alongside quality schools, parks, and cultural attractions," touts a local expert. The city is just an hour drive from Denver and in close proximity to Aspen and Vail’s world-class ski resorts. Military jobs influence Colorado Springs’ culture and economy, but jobs are also available in medical innovation and tech.

50/

1. Austin, Texas

Population: 1,942,615

Average annual salary: $50,830

Quality of life: 7.1

Value index: 7.1

The capital of Texas gains about 50 new residents daily, many seeking out the city’s "music, outdoor spaces, and cultural institutions," said a local expert.

Austin is beloved for its live music scene and is host to some of the country’s biggest music and culture festivals, including South by Southwest and Austin City Limits. The city was nicknamed "Silicon Hills" in the 1990s for its status as "among the top areas for venture capital investment in the country."

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OurFuture.org: Charter Schools Threaten the Existence of Public Education

OurFuture.org: Charter Schools Threaten the Existence of Public Education

Proclaiming May 6-12 National Charter Schools Week, President Trump kicked off a huge public relations campaign by the charter industry to ballyhoo the supposed success of these schools, although that success is a matter of bitter and ongoing dispute.

But one outcome these privately-run, mostly taxpayer-funded schools certainly produce is they financially harm the public education system.

“The term ‘existential threat’ is way overused, but charters and vouchers really are a threat to the existence of public education,” Brad Miller tells me. Miller is a highly-rated practicing attorney and a former U.S. House of Representative from North Carolina.

While in office, he warned Congress of the risks of the subprime mortgage market in 2004, five years before that market melted and brought about the collapse of the housing loan and banking industry and the Great Recession.

The facts back Miller up.

The Costs of Charters to Public Schools

New studies from California and North Carolina find charter schools extract millions from the public systems.

The California study, written by political economist and University of Oregon professor Gordon Lafer, looks at three large public-school systems in the Golden State and concludes the annual costs to the three districts run upwards of $142 million. The three districts in the study – Oakland Unified, San Diego Unified and East Side Union – struggle with annual deficits that have led to layoffs, class size increases, and program cuts.

The North Carolina study, written by Duke University economics professor Helen Ladd and University of Rochester professor John Singleton, finds evidence that charter schools come with “fiscal externalities,” or additional costs to the budgets of public schools. In their examination of urban and nonurban districts in the Tar Heel State, the researchers calculate an additional financial cost of about $3,500 per charter school enrollee to the Durham school district and “comparable or larger” costs to two non-urban districts.

Both studies note that additional costs imposed by charters are most apt to result in local schools cutting funding they need to maintain reasonable class sizes, well-rounded curriculums, and support staff including nurses, counselors, librarians, and special education

A Bad Fiscal Idea

Both studies trace the increased cost burdens imposed by charters to the same source.

As Lafer writes, “In every case [where charter schools have expanded], the revenue that school districts have lost is far greater than the expenses saved by students transferring to charter schools.”

Ladd and Singleton explain why: “If 10 percent of a district’s students shift to a charter school … the district cannot simply reduce its costs by 10 percent because some of its costs are fixed, especially in the short run.”

The North Carolina researchers also point to costs that result from having parallel sectors of charter and public schools, which “implies duplication of functions and services (e.g., central office operations).” Also, the tendency of charter schools to open or close, often without warning, makes district budgeting uncertain and inefficient.

The costs school districts incur due to charter expansions are “unavoidable,” Lafer writes. “Because districts cannot turn students away, they must maintain a large enough school system to accommodate both long-term population growth and sudden influxes of unexpected students—as has happened when charter schools suddenly close down. The district’s responsibility for serving all students creates costs.”

An ‘Established Fact’ of Charters

Findings of these recent studies are in line with other studies.

A study on the impact of charters in Nashville estimated the net negative fiscal impact of charter school growth on the district’s public schools resulted in more than $300 million in direct costs to public schools over a five-year period.

Another study from Los Angeles found district public schools lost $591 million due to dropping enrollment rates among students who leave and go to charters.

A research study of school districts in Michigan concluded choice policies significantly contribute to the financial problems of Michigan’s most hard-pressed districts. When the percent of students attending charter schools approaches 20 percent, there are sizable adverse impacts on district finances.

“What was once just rebutted as rhetoric is now increasingly becoming an established fact – charter schools are reducing the amount of funding that is spent on each student who remains in traditional public school,” University of South Carolina law professor Derek Black writes in his overview of the California and North Carolina studies.

What’s worse, Black argues in a different piece, “States are giving charter schools and private schools a better dealthan public schools. These better deals have fueled enormous growth in charter schools and voucher programs that is now nearly impossible to unwind.”

The negative impact of this drain on public school coffers is felt most acutely by students and teachers, of course, especially those who live in low-income, nonwhite communities that are already feeling the brunt of depleted resources.

But warnings of the negative fiscal impact imposed by charter schools are also coming from a very different group of people: investors.

Investor Concerns About Charters

Just as the California and North Carolina charter studies were released, a Texas newspaper reported some of the state’s largest public finance firms were pulling business away from charter schools over concerns about these schools undermining the financial standing of public school districts and the continued soundness of investments in the financing of public schools.

“Charter schools increase the cost of public education in Texas by over $600 million per year,” one investment firm warned its investors in its explanation of why the company was pulling business away from the charter sector.

Investor squeamishness over the rapid expansion of the charter sector has been rising for years.

“The dramatic rise in charter school enrollments over the past decade is likely to create negative credit pressure on school districts in economically weak urban areas,” a report from Moody’s Investors Service warned in 2013.

Mindful of the Moody’s report, Brad Miller wrote last year for Verdict that Moody’s reduced Detroit Public Schools’ credit rating from B3 to Caa1, two notches above imminent default, specifically because of the “growing charter school presence.” He notes that despite the expanding charter sector in the district, charters are not responsible for any of district’s debts should the cost burden of these schools result in financial problems for the district.

Miller argues investors who backed loans to the district’s public schools will now see the value of their investments eroding due to the influx of charters. Due to charters, he argues, “Public schools lost funds for fixed costs, including debt service for bonds to pay for school construction, renovation, and equipment to serve the expected enrollment.”

His advice to Investors in public school bonds is to consider legal action against charter-friendly state legislation on the basis that such policies may violate the Contract Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

But Charter Schools Are Public, Right?

Charter school advocates tend to counter any claims that their schools harm public schools by contending “charters are public schools too.”

While it’s true charters are public schools in that they take taxpayer funds, legal defenses of any claims made against these schools tend to play fast and loose with the exact status, public or private, of these schools.

As Houston Public Media reports, recent lawsuits in Texas involving charter schools have surfaced the ever-changing definition of the status of these schools. After examining a series of cases involving charters, the article concludes,

Charter schools and their lawyers have sidestepped lawsuits over employment and contract issues by playing both sides of that fence. In some cases, charter schools can’t be sued because they’re government entities; in others, they’re immune because they’re private.

Similarly, in legal proceedings in California, Illinois, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, charter school supporters have used private legal status to evade federal and state statutory requirements that apply to public entities.

Charters as Parasites

Despite what may have been the original intention of the charter school movement, these schools, as they are currently conceived and operate, now pose a severe financial risk to public education. Rather than operating as partners to public schools, they more so resemble parasites.

To address this growing calamity, Lafer recommends in his California study that each school district produce an annual Economic Impact report assessing the cost of charter expansion in its community, and local and state public officials take findings of these impact assessments into account when deciding whether to authorize additional charters.

Ladd and Singleton in their North Carolina study recommend states provide transitional aid to smooth or mitigate revenue losses charter school expansions impose on school districts. They point to examples of these policies in New York and Massachusetts, although they admit, “In neither case does the magnitude of the aid offset the full negative fiscal impacts of charters.”

Getting fair-minded public officials to consider these or other practical steps should not be hard politically.

“Most Americans do not regard public schools as insidious socialism and teachers as union goons,” says Miller. “This is not an issue on which we should be in retreat.”

elaine May 10, 2018

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OurFuture.org

OurFuture.org: Charter Schools Threaten the Existence of Public Education published first on https://buyessayscheapservice.tumblr.com/

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Charter Schools Threaten the Existence of Public Education by Jeff Bryant

Proclaiming May 6-12 National Charter Schools Week, President Trump kicked off a huge public relations campaign by the charter industry to ballyhoo the supposed success of these schools, although that success is a matter of bitter and ongoing dispute.

But one outcome these privately-run, mostly taxpayer-funded schools certainly produce is they financially harm the public education system.

“The term ‘existential threat’ is way overused, but charters and vouchers really are a threat to the existence of public education,” Brad Miller tells me. Miller is a highly-rated practicing attorney and a former U.S. House of Representative from North Carolina.

While in office, he warned Congress of the risks of the subprime mortgage market in 2004, five years before that market melted and brought about the collapse of the housing loan and banking industry and the Great Recession.

The facts back Miller up.

The Costs of Charters to Public Schools

New studies from California and North Carolina find charter schools extract millions from the public systems.

The California study, written by political economist and University of Oregon professor Gordon Lafer, looks at three large public-school systems in the Golden State and concludes the annual costs to the three districts run upwards of $142 million. The three districts in the study – Oakland Unified, San Diego Unified and East Side Union – struggle with annual deficits that have led to layoffs, class size increases, and program cuts.

The North Carolina study, written by Duke University economics professor Helen Ladd and University of Rochester professor John Singleton, finds evidence that charter schools come with “fiscal externalities,” or additional costs to the budgets of public schools. In their examination of urban and nonurban districts in the Tar Heel State, the researchers calculate an additional financial cost of about $3,500 per charter school enrollee to the Durham school district and “comparable or larger” costs to two non-urban districts.

Both studies note that additional costs imposed by charters are most apt to result in local schools cutting funding they need to maintain reasonable class sizes, well-rounded curriculums, and support staff including nurses, counselors, librarians, and special education

A Bad Fiscal Idea

Both studies trace the increased cost burdens imposed by charters to the same source.

As Lafer writes, “In every case [where charter schools have expanded], the revenue that school districts have lost is far greater than the expenses saved by students transferring to charter schools.”

Ladd and Singleton explain why: “If 10 percent of a district’s students shift to a charter school … the district cannot simply reduce its costs by 10 percent because some of its costs are fixed, especially in the short run.”

The North Carolina researchers also point to costs that result from having parallel sectors of charter and public schools, which “implies duplication of functions and services (e.g., central office operations).” Also, the tendency of charter schools to open or close, often without warning, makes district budgeting uncertain and inefficient.

The costs school districts incur due to charter expansions are “unavoidable,” Lafer writes. “Because districts cannot turn students away, they must maintain a large enough school system to accommodate both long-term population growth and sudden influxes of unexpected students—as has happened when charter schools suddenly close down. The district’s responsibility for serving all students creates costs.”

An ‘Established Fact’ of Charters

Findings of these recent studies are in line with other studies.

A study on the impact of charters in Nashville estimated the net negative fiscal impact of charter school growth on the district’s public schools resulted in more than $300 million in direct costs to public schools over a five-year period.

Another study from Los Angeles found district public schools lost $591 million due to dropping enrollment rates among students who leave and go to charters.

A research study of school districts in Michigan concluded choice policies significantly contribute to the financial problems of Michigan’s most hard-pressed districts. When the percent of students attending charter schools approaches 20 percent, there are sizable adverse impacts on district finances.

“What was once just rebutted as rhetoric is now increasingly becoming an established fact – charter schools are reducing the amount of funding that is spent on each student who remains in traditional public school,” University of South Carolina law professor Derek Black writes in his overview of the California and North Carolina studies.

What’s worse, Black argues in a different piece, “States are giving charter schools and private schools a better deal than public schools. These better deals have fueled enormous growth in charter schools and voucher programs that is now nearly impossible to unwind.”

The negative impact of this drain on public school coffers is felt most acutely by students and teachers, of course, especially those who live in low-income, nonwhite communities that are already feeling the brunt of depleted resources.

But warnings of the negative fiscal impact imposed by charter schools are also coming from a very different group of people: investors.

Investor Concerns About Charters

Just as the California and North Carolina charter studies were released, a Texas newspaper reported some of the state’s largest public finance firms were pulling business away from charter schools over concerns about these schools undermining the financial standing of public school districts and the continued soundness of investments in the financing of public schools.

“Charter schools increase the cost of public education in Texas by over $600 million per year,” one investment firm warned its investors in its explanation of why the company was pulling business away from the charter sector.

Investor squeamishness over the rapid expansion of the charter sector has been rising for years.

“The dramatic rise in charter school enrollments over the past decade is likely to create negative credit pressure on school districts in economically weak urban areas,” a report from Moody’s Investors Service warned in 2013.

Mindful of the Moody’s report, Brad Miller wrote last year for Verdict that Moody’s reduced Detroit Public Schools’ credit rating from B3 to Caa1, two notches above imminent default, specifically because of the “growing charter school presence.” He notes that despite the expanding charter sector in the district, charters are not responsible for any of district’s debts should the cost burden of these schools result in financial problems for the district.

Miller argues investors who backed loans to the district’s public schools will now see the value of their investments eroding due to the influx of charters. Due to charters, he argues, “Public schools lost funds for fixed costs, including debt service for bonds to pay for school construction, renovation, and equipment to serve the expected enrollment.”

His advice to Investors in public school bonds is to consider legal action against charter-friendly state legislation on the basis that such policies may violate the Contract Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

But Charter Schools Are Public, Right?

Charter school advocates tend to counter any claims that their schools harm public schools by contending “charters are public schools too.”

While it’s true charters are public schools in that they take taxpayer funds, legal defenses of any claims made against these schools tend to play fast and loose with the exact status, public or private, of these schools.

As Houston Public Media reports, recent lawsuits in Texas involving charter schools have surfaced the ever-changing definition of the status of these schools. After examining a series of cases involving charters, the article concludes,

Charter schools and their lawyers have sidestepped lawsuits over employment and contract issues by playing both sides of that fence. In some cases, charter schools can’t be sued because they’re government entities; in others, they’re immune because they’re private.

Similarly, in legal proceedings in California, Illinois, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, charter school supporters have used private legal status to evade federal and state statutory requirements that apply to public entities.

Charters as Parasites

Despite what may have been the original intention of the charter school movement, these schools, as they are currently conceived and operate, now pose a severe financial risk to public education. Rather than operating as partners to public schools, they more so resemble parasites.

To address this growing calamity, Lafer recommends in his California study that each school district produce an annual Economic Impact report assessing the cost of charter expansion in its community, and local and state public officials take findings of these impact assessments into account when deciding whether to authorize additional charters.

Ladd and Singleton in their North Carolina study recommend states provide transitional aid to smooth or mitigate revenue losses charter school expansions impose on school districts. They point to examples of these policies in New York and Massachusetts, although they admit, “In neither case does the magnitude of the aid offset the full negative fiscal impacts of charters.”

Getting fair-minded public officials to consider these or other practical steps should not be hard politically.

“Most Americans do not regard public schools as insidious socialism and teachers as union goons,” says Miller. “This is not an issue on which we should be in retreat.”

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The 50 best places to live in America for 2018

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When deciding where to put down roots, many factors are in the eye of the beholder, such as climate, politics, or proximity to extended family.

Other aspects are coveted by nearly everybody: affordable housing, access to well-paying jobs, a low cost of living, good schools, and quality healthcare. In its ranking of the best places to live in America for 2018, U.S. News & World Report gathered data on these crucial components for more than 100 US cities.

They then categorized the data into five indexes for each city — job market, value, quality of life, desirability, and net migration — to definitively rank these major metro areas. You can read U.S. News’ full methodology here.

Scores for "value," a blend of annual household income and cost of living, and "quality of life," which accounts for crime, college readiness, commute, and other factors, are included below on a 10-point scale, as well as the city’s population and average annual salary.

Austin, Texas, came out on top for the second consecutive year, while Colorado Springs, Colorado, jumped from No. 11 to take the No. 2 spot, edging out the state’s capital, Denver, which rounded out the top three.

Nearly a dozen cities made the top-50 list for the first time since 2017, including Huntsville, Alabama; Asheville, North Carolina; and Anchorage, Alaska.

Keep reading to discover the 50 best places to live in America.

50. Lansing, Michigan

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Population: 470,348

Average annual salary: $47,550

Quality of life: 7.0

Value index: 7.1

Lansing, the diverse capital of Michigan, earns a spot on the list for its affordability, abundance of jobs, and local flavor. The area is home to everyone from career government workers to recent college graduates, and "you can go from a college campus to a waving wheat field in 10 minutes," one local expert said.

Residents love Lansing for its sports culture and fine arts scene, and although it gets chilly in the winters, the sunny summers more than make up for it.

49. Cincinnati, Ohio

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Population: 2,146,410

Average annual salary: $48,130

Quality of life: 6.4

Value: 7.7

Cincinnati is a city that loves its food, sports, and culture. There’s something for everyone in the Midwest’s Queen City, from a strong job market to a busy event calendar filled with museums, baseball, and local heritage events.

Residents appreciate the city’s affordability — housing there is cheaper than the national average, despite Cincinnati being one of the 30 biggest metro areas in the US.

48. Syracuse, New York

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Population: 660,652

Average annual salary: $48,530

Quality of life: 7.1

Value: 7.6

It might get 124 inches-plus of snow per year, but don’t let the blustery climate deter you: Syracuse boasts a low cost of living, easy access to both the city center and surrounding suburbs, and a host of cultural activities, including the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology and the Rosamond Gifford Zoo.

Home to Syracuse University, the town also rallies behind the Orange during basketball season, cheering the team to victory.

47. Atlanta, Georgia

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Population: 5,612,777

Average annual salary: $50,720

Quality of life: 5.8

Value index: 7.0

An attractive blend of big city and big country, Atlanta is attracting transplants far and wide with its award-winning restaurants, culture centers, and flourishing job market. More than a dozen Fortune 500 companies call the city home, including Delta, The Home Depot, and The Coca-Cola Company, and it’s an increasingly popular spot for film productions.

In addition, "The Chattahoochee River that traverses the metro area, and Stone Mountain, the world’s largest chunk of exposed granite, located just northeast of the city proper, also offer a quick escape from any urban anxiety," says one local expert.

46. Hartford, Connecticut

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Population: 1,211,826

Average annual salary: $58,400

Quality of life: 7.0

Value index: 6.7

Located in the Connecticut River Valley, Hartford was once the home to notable historic figures, including Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe. Among the city’s historic attractions, today it offers nearby entertainment venues, ski slopes, state parks.

The aerospace, healthcare, and financial services industries dominate the job market in Hartford, which is home to Aetna Inc., United Technologies Corp., and Hartford Hospital.

45. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

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Population: 561,447

Average annual salary: $47,220

Quality of life: 6.7

Value index: 7.4

Located on the banks of the Susquehanna River and the foothills of the Appalachian Trail, Harrisburg offers residents unlimited access to the outdoors. Many are employed by the state and federal government in Harrisburg, but there’s also several large private-sector companies that are top employers, including Hershey’s, Rite Aid, and D&H Distributing.

44. Jacksonville, Florida

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Population: 1,424,097

Average annual salary: $45,140

Quality of life: 6.7

Value index: 6.3

Jacksonville’s beach-adjacent location makes it ideal for outdoor activities. In addition to spending lazy days in the sand, residents can also visit the area’s prime golf courses or go hiking, camping, and kayaking in the nearby parks. Jacksonville also continues to grow, with burgeoning art and music scenes, as well as new business development, according to a local expert.

43. Winston-Salem, North Carolina

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Population: 654,589

Average annual salary: $44,100

Quality of life: 6.5

Value index: 7.1

The cost of living in Winston-Salem is a bargain. The city’s average housing costs remain well below the national average — renters pay about $200 less per month for a one-bedroom apartment than their counterparts around the country.

Residents can also take advantage of the city’s cultural offerings with visits to the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art and the Reynolda House Museum of American Art.

42. Anchorage, Alaska

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Population: 398,000

Average annual salary: $57,770

Quality of life: 6.4

Value index: 7.5

Alaska is often a tough sell for Americans from the lower 48 states. It’s freezing cold for much of the year, and thanks to Alaska’s isolation, costs for basic things like groceries are much higher than you’ll see in other states.

That said, Anchorage makes a compelling argument for people looking for a new home: It has a booming, diverse population but enjoys a distinctly small-town vibe. Not to mention, it’s a haven for adventure seekers and nature lovers, as well as quirky events like the Summer Solstice Festival and the Mr. Fur Face Beard and Mustache Contest. And because the summers are so short, residents take advantage of every minute.

41. Ft. Meyers, Florida

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Population: 680,970

Average annual salary: $40,420

Quality of life: 6.3

Value index: 5.2

The charming streets of Fort Myers attract people of all ages, even if the southwestern Florida city is better known as a retirement destination. More than a third of the rapidly growing population is under 34 years old. Residents take advantage of Fort Myers’ vibrant downtown, and the city’s convenient location on Florida’s Gulf Coast lends itself to water activities like boating and fishing. People in Fort Myers tend to pay a little extra for real estate and transportation, but they save thanks to Florida’s lack of state income taxes.

40. Fort Wayne, Indiana

City of Fort Wayne – Municipal Government/Facebook

Population: 426,755

Average annual salary: $42,250

Quality of life: 6.1

Value index: 8.7

The Rust Belt hub of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is seeing something of a revitalization as of late. Manufacturers including General Motors and BAE Systems have brought jobs to the area, while its economy is seeing a spike from young people eager to move downtown from the suburbs.

"With its low cost of living and quiet neighborhoods, Fort Wayne, Indiana, is an excellent place to buy a house, start a career, launch a business and raise children," a local expert said.

39. Albany, New York

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Population: 879,291

Average annual salary: $52,340

Quality of life: 6.9

Value: 7.2

Despite the snowy winters, living in Albany comes with several advantages. Albany offers a cost of living lower than the national average and the cost of housing sits well below the rest of the US as a whole. In terms of jobs, the city’s tech and healthcare industries are on the rise.

Albany’s downtown is lined with art galleries, wine shops, and churches for visitors to peruse. In keeping with the city’s cold climate, hockey is the sport of choice for residents.

38. Charleston, South Carolina

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Population: 728,271

Average annual salary: $44,500

Quality of life: 6.2

Value index: 6.2

Charleston’s charming, historic, and sophisticated ambiance is exemplary of southern culture. "Not only is the area overflowing with entertainment and good food, but this low country locale is also gorgeous," said a local expert.

Tourism is booming in Charleston, creating plenty of jobs, especially in the summer months. Year-round, jobs in tech, sales, marketing, and advertising keep the city’s economy strong.

37. Manchester, New Hampshire

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Population: 404,948

Average annual salary: $51,920

Quality of life: 7.0

Value index: 6.7

Manchester, New Hampshire may be smaller than most metropolitan areas on the east coast, but it makes up for it with its strong culture, youthful vibe, and political character. New Hampshire’s largest town skews young and educated thanks to the various colleges that call with home.

36. Columbus, Ohio

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Population: 1,995,004

Average annual salary: $48,850

Quality of life: 6.5

Value index: 7.4

Ohio’s capital is a bustling city with a youthful flavor and a passion for sports, music, and entertainment. For many residents, life revolves around the Ohio State University football team — "the region lives and breathes football," as one local expert put it. But it’s the business-friendly economy and affordability that contributes to its entry on this list. Between home prices, monthly rents, and the overall cost of living, Columbus is cheaper than most metros of its size.

35. Honolulu, Hawaii

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Population: 986,999

Average annual salary: $51,080

Quality of life: 6.5

Value index: 4.7

Often considered the cultural and culinary hub of the Hawaiian islands, according to U.S. News’ local expert, Honolulu abounds with shopping centers, restaurants, and miles of beaches. It’s on the expensive side when it comes to cost of living — but you can’t beat the year-round tropical temperatures.

34. Sarasota, Florida

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Population: 751,422

Average annual salary: $41,870

Quality of life: 7.3

Value index: 5.3

Sarasota boasts "warm temperatures year-round, award-winning beaches, and a thriving arts and cultural scene," said a local expert. The biggest employers in Sarasota are in education, trade, and transportation, and the leisure and hospitality sector touts a low unemployment rate powered by a recent increase in tourism and a flood of new residents.

33. Reno, Nevada

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Population: 443,855

Average annual salary: $45,210

Quality of life: 7.3

Value index: 6.3

Reno, Nevada, is much more than a tourist town. "America’s Biggest Little City" may have been built on the gambling industry, but today offers opportunities in a number of fields including technology and education. The city offers plenty of family-friendly outdoor activities, and people of all ages are drawn there for it’s strong economy and job opportunities.

32. Lancaster, Pennsylvania

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Population: 533,110

Average annual salary: $43,000

Quality of life: 7.7

Value index: 7.0

In Lancaster, residents can breeze through numerous environments in the course of a day, from rolling farmland to busy city streets to quiet suburbs. Though dairy farming rules the economy here, major companies, including Kellogg’s and Mars, also call the area home.

Lancaster might be famous for its Amish and Mennonite population, but the town is also bustling with a mix of college students and non-religious families.

31. Greenville, South Carolina

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Population: 862,064

Average annual salary: $42,290

Quality of life: 6.7

Value index: 7.2

Once a sleepy small town, Greenville has witnessed a cultural revival in recent years, complete with an influx of new restaurants and businesses. Though the summers can get hot, the city’s typically mild weather make it possible to explore downtown on foot anytime of the year.

An influx of manufacturing jobs have also boosted Greenville’s economy, with brand-name companies, such as GE and Michelin, setting up shop in town.

30. San Diego, California

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Population: 3,253,356

Average annual salary: $55,480

Quality of life: 7.2

Value index: 4.1

With year-round sunshine and beautiful beaches to boot, it’s easy to enjoy living in San Diego. According to U.S. News, this Southern California gem "offers world-class dining, professional sports, and entertainment options" for college students, young professionals, and families alike.

Tourism is a huge industry in San Diego — which sees more than 30 million visitors annually — but the city’s seaside location is more than just eye candy. Some of the area’s largest employersinclude the US Navy and the Marine Corps.

29. Melbourne, Florida

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Population: 560,683

Average annual salary: $46,520

Quality of life: 7.1

Value index: 6.2

Between fishing, boating, and a plethora of bars and restaurants, there’s never a shortage of things to do in the Melbourne area. The city’s ripe with retirees and "snowbirds" — people who split their time between colder climates in the summer and Florida in the winter — who can enjoy days on one of the many nearby golf courses and nights out exploring the local shops and art galleries.

28. Omaha, Nebraska

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Population: 904,834

Average annual salary: $46,490

Quality of life: 6.6

Value index: 7.9

Due to a combination of Omaha’s history of cattle ranching and its current landscape of bustling tech startups, the city has earned the nickname "Silicon Prairie." Plus, eight Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in Omaha, including Berkshire Hathaway, Union Pacific Railroad, and Mutual of Omaha. Young professionals and families are attracted to the city primarily for its affordability, safety, and strong economy.

27. Portland, Maine

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Population: 523,874

Average annual salary: $47,770

Quality of life: 7.2

Value index: 6.4

Located right on the water at Casco Bay and lined with cobblestone streets, Portland immediately evokes the quaintness of a much smaller town. Between fishing, sailing, cross-country skiing, and exploring the city’s buzzing nightlife, there’s no shortage of things to do. Seafood lovers can nosh on fresh catches at the city’s modern oyster bars and or grab one of Maine’s signature lobster rolls.

26. Houston, Texas

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Population: 6,482,592

Average annual salary: $52,870

Quality of life: 6.9

Value index: 7.1

Houston is a major player in the oil and gas, manufacturing, aerospace, and healthcare industries — it’s also home to 26 Fortune 500 companies. According to one local expert, "a paycheck goes further in Houston than it does in other major cities, with affordable housing and free or cheap attractions." Plus, the city has an affinity for food, counting some 11,000 restaurants within its boundaries.

25. Boston, Massachusetts

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Population: 4,728,844

Average annual salary: $64,080

Quality of life: 6.5

Value index: 5.9

Boston attracts a diverse group of residents, including everyone from recent college graduates to retirees and musicians to engineers. The historical city — often referred to as the "Cradle of Liberty," according to one local expert — also overflows with team spirit for the Red Sox and 2017 Super Bowl champions, the Patriots.

24. Asheville, North Carolina

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Population: 441,724

Average annual salary: $40,330

Quality of life: 7.2

Value index: 6.3

It’s no surprise why the mountain town of Asheville, North Carolina, is beloved by tourists and residents alike. Nestled in between the Blue Ride and Appalachian mountains, Asheville is a magnet for outdoors lovers as well as fans of music, art, and craft beer.

23. Boise, Idaho

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Population: 663,680

Average annual salary: $43,040

Quality of life: 6.8

Value index: 7.4

Idaho’s capital city is "a recreationalist’s paradise," according to one local expert, who also said Boise sits "squarely on the boundary of urban and rural, civilized and wild, refined and raw." The region is home to more than 22,000 Boise State University students and provides jobs at government agencies as well as in tech and healthcare.

22. Charlotte, North Carolina

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Population: 2,381,152

Average annual salary: $49,600

Quality of life: 6.4

Value index: 7.5

A "melting pot effect" draws all types of people to Charlotte, a place with "equal parts old-fashioned southern charm and high-energy cosmopolitan bustle," touted one local expert. NASCAR and motorsports are a cultural cornerstone of Charlotte. The Queen City houses Bank of America’s headquarters and major offices for Wells Fargo, making it one of the largest financial hubs in the country.

21. Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky

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Population: 495,193

Average annual salary: $43,620

Quality of life: 7.1

Value index: 7.8

Lexington, Kentucky, is known as the horse capital of the world, and residents are especially proud of their city’s reputation for equestrian. On top of world-famous horse parks and race courses, the area has more than 1,000 horse farms, not to mention streets named after Triple Crown winners and a bevy of horse statues in parks around the city. But a love of equestrian isn’t the only thing Lexington offers.

Younger residents move there for its college-town feel and appreciation for local sports and music. And the area is a haven for fans of the outdoors — the nearby Red River Gorge and Cumberland Falls are scenic places for residents to explore their surroundings.

20. San Francisco, California

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Population: 4,577,530

Average annual salary: $69,110

Quality of life: 6.4

Value index: 5.3

A local expert described San Francisco as "the heart of the bohemian lifestyle, the epicenter of the LGBT rights movement, and the launching point of the technology era." In the last decade, thousands of tech companies have raced to set up shop in the Bay Area, sending the cost of living through the roof. But despite all the focus on the tech and startup scene, the city also has plenty of business jobs available with more than 30 international finance headquarters.

19. Phoenix, Arizona

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Population: 4,486,153

Average annual salary: $47,540

Quality of life: 6.8

Value index: 6.6

Come for the weather, stay for the city: Phoenix boasts more sunny days per year than any other city in the US, according to a local expert. But it’s the thriving job market, variety of shops and restaurants, and easy access to numerous outdoor activities — think everything from hiking to paddleboarding — that keep residents happy long-term.

18. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas

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Population: 6,957,123

Average annual salary: $50,350

Quality of life: 7.0

Value index: 7.1

A healthy balance of urban and rural, Dallas offers residents "big-city excitement and quiet, suburban living," shared one local expert. There’s local bars, retail shops, and plenty of sports spirit to satisfy the huge population. The city — with large large employers in business, finance, and education — is teeming with young professionals.

17. San Jose, California

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Population: 1,943,107

Average annual salary: $78,990

Quality of life: 7.4

Value index: 5.7

The sprawling city of San Jose is "as much defined by its suburban neighborhoods and large tech campuses as it is by the high-rises in its business district," said a local expert. Young residents and recent graduates of nearby Stanford and UC Berkeley have no trouble finding jobs in the area, which touts Cisco, eBay, and IBM as its largest private-sector employers.

16. Madison, Wisconsin

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Population: 634,269

Average annual salary: $50,830

Quality of life: 7.1

Value index: 7.3

Wisconsin’s capital is a "hotbed of the healthcare, information technology, and manufacturing industries," said a local expert. The area is also home to the University of Wisconsin at Madison, providing hundreds of jobs in education. Madison has a unique food culture that’s a blend of fine dining and farmer’s markets catering to the city’s college students, young professionals, and families.

15. Salt Lake City, Utah

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Population: 2,361,981

Average annual salary: $46,221

Quality of life: 6.9

Value index: 7.9

Salt Lake City might experience some of the snowiest weather in the country, but residents make the most of it through the multitude of ski resorts perched in the city’s backyard. In warmer weather, residents can take advantage of Salt Lake’s more than 900 acres of public parks and enjoy outdoor performances from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in Temple Square.

14. San Antonio, Texas

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Population: 2,332,345

Average annual salary: $45,210

Quality of life: 7.0

Value index: 7.0

At once a destination city and a down-home community, San Antonio offers up a variety of cuisines, music styles, and art for visitors and locals. The city hosts "more than 50 major events and festivals throughout the year," a number of which honor the area’s Spanish heritage, said a local expert. San Antonio is home to four military and air force bases and camps, collectively known as Joint Base San Antonio.

13. Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina

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Population: 1,786,119

Average annual salary: $52,669

Quality of life: 6.7

Value index: 7.8

Raleigh-Durham and Chapel Hill are collectively known as the Triangle, an area anchored by its foundation in research and tech. The Triangle employs nearly 40,000 residents at companies like IBM, SAS Institute Inc., and Cisco Systems as well as surrounding colleges Duke, North Carolina State, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A strong job market coupled with a burgeoning microbrewery and dining scene draws 80 new residents every day, said a local expert.

12. Grand Rapids, Michigan

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Population: 1,028,173

Average annual salary: $43,610

Quality of life: 7.7

Value index: 8.1

Grand Rapids attracts "college students and young families with its healthy job market, affordable housing, and outdoor recreational activities," said a local expert. The self-proclaimed "Beer City USA" has more than 40 breweries as well as dynamic public art and music scenes.

Once a hub for furniture production, Grand Rapids’ job market is now dominated by education and healthcare, with many opportunities for workers without a college degree.

11. Nashville, Tennessee

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Population: 1,794,570

Average annual salary: $45,780

Quality of life: 6.1

Value index: 7.3

Honky-tonk culture and an entrepreneurial spirit define Nashville. "A blossoming job market and an exploding entertainment scene [are] fueling an appetite (and thirst) for all things locally sourced and artisanal in craft," a local expert said. Thousands of residents work in healthcare at the area’s large hospitals and research centers, small startups, and business accelerator programs.

10. Seattle, Washington

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Population: 3,671,095

Average annual salary: $61,170

Quality of life: 6.2

Value index: 6.4

Seattle is sandwiched between water and mountains and doesn’t get as much rain as you’d think, said one local expert. The city’s residents are drawn to the area for its atmosphere of "calm and patience" and its close proximity to nature. Jobs in Seattle are concentrated in tech, healthcare, and maritime industries, but the city is also a huge manufacturing center for companies like Boeing.

9. Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota

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Population: 3,488,436

Average annual salary: $55,010

Quality of life: 6.9

Value index: 7.9

The Twin Cities have "big-city amenities like museums and sports stadiums, but also have an approachable, Midwestern feel," according to a local expert. Residents are accustomed to the area’s changing seasons, participating in ice fishing and cross-country skiing in the winter and music festivals and baseball games in the spring and summer.

Jobs are available in science-focused fields at companies like Xcel Energy and Medtronic as well as retail corporations like Best Buy and Target.

8. Washington, DC

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Population: 6,011,752

Average annual salary: $68,000

Quality of life: 6.4

Value index: 7.4

The District’s neighborhoods each give off their own vibe, but across the city residents often "gather for block parties, mingle at dog parks, and converse at coffee shops," explained a local expert. While Washington, DC, is known as a hub for politics, there’s also a strong job market for education and health services.

7. Huntsville, Alabama

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Population: 440,230

Average annual salary: $52,960

Quality of life: 7.0

Value index: 8.8

The once-sleepy town of Huntsville, Alabama, gained fame in the 1960s when it became a hub for NASA. Now Huntsville is undergoing another renaissance, with tech companies, craft breweries, and artists all flocking to the town in recent years.

Huntsville is the fastest-growing city in Alabama, and residents are enjoying an emerging downtown shopping and and dining scene even as the city maintains a low cost of living. If you can handle the heat and humidity, you might find yourself at home there.

6. Portland, Oregon

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Population: 2,351,319

Average annual salary: $53,960

Quality of life: 6.5

Value index: 6.5

Portland isn’t for everybody — its slogan is "Keep Portland Weird," after all. But one local expert asserts that it’s a "well-rounded city with more than just the offbeat shops and events" and a population that has "more academic degrees than the national average."

An annual job growth rate of 2.9% per year is attributed to roots in the technology sector, including major employer Intel Corporation, as well as the 6,000-employee headquarters for Nike, located about seven miles outside of Portland.

5. Fayetteville, Arkansas

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Population: 503,642

Average annual salary: $44,980

Quality of life: 7.5

Value index: 7.9

Fayetteville sits among the Ozark Mountains and is home to the University of Arkansas’ flagship campus. The surrounding area of northwest Arkansas is home to headquarters for seven Fortune 500 companies including Walmart and Tyson Foods. The city has experienced immense growth, according to a local expert, who said the region has evolved "from a small town to a center of higher education, culture, commerce, and entrepreneurialism."

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Population: 611,755

Average annual salary: $49,420

Quality of life: 7.0

Value index: 8.5

Des Moines is drawing millennials and young families alike for its "one-of-a-kind shops, locally owned restaurants, and hip bars" as well as its historical residences in quiet neighborhoods, said a local expert. Home to more than 80 insurance companies including giants Allied Insurance and Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, the job market is thriving.

3. Denver, Colorado

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Population: 2,752,056

Average annual salary: $54,910

Quality of life: 6.7

Value index: 7.2

While Denver sits at the base of the Rocky Mountains, it’s not considered a mountain town since it takes at least an hour to get to the Rockies for snowboarding and ski activities, a local expert explained. At 5,279 feet, the Mile High City lives up to its name in more ways than one: In 2012, Colorado legalized recreational marijuana, paving the way for a flourishing and lucrative cannabis industry.

2. Colorado Springs, Colorado

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Population: 688,643

Average annual salary: $49,450

Quality of life: 7.2

Value index: 7.2

Colorado Springs is "booming, with new residences popping up alongside quality schools, parks, and cultural attractions," touts a local expert. The city is just an hour drive from Denver and in close proximity to Aspen and Vail’s world-class ski resorts. Military jobs influence Colorado Springs’ culture and economy, but jobs are also available in medical innovation and tech.

1. Austin, Texas

Julia Robinson/Reuters

Population: 1,942,615

Average annual salary: $50,830

Quality of life: 7.1

Value index: 7.1

The capital of Texas gains about 50 new residents daily, many seeking out the city’s "music, outdoor spaces, and cultural institutions," said a local expert.

Austin is beloved for its live music scene and is host to some of the country’s biggest music and culture festivals, including South by Southwest and Austin City Limits. The city was nicknamed "Silicon Hills" in the 1990s for its status as "among the top areas for venture capital investment in the country."

Henryk Sadura/Shutterstock

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[zeroviraluniverse-blog]

The Best and Worst States for Online Dating, Mapped

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The Best and Worst States for Online Dating, Mapped

Leon Neal, Getty Images

Leon Neal, Getty Images

If your online dating experience is more awkward than romantic, maybe you have geography to blame. An AT&T retailer called All Home Connections recently crunched some data on the online dating landscape, and let’s just say we hope you aren’t trying to Tinder in New Mexico.

The southwestern state turns out to be one of the worst for online dating prospects, at least according to this methodology, which looked at dating opportunities, demographics, and safety. It took into account the state’s percentage of singles and gender balance, along with things like unemployment rate and median earnings, percentage of people with smartphones, data on whether or not people there say they are even interested in online dating, and the violent crime rate.

According to this data, if you want to find love online, you should head to the Northeast: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Maine topped the list. That may not be surprising considering the data that went into the calculation—those states have some of the highest incomes in the U.S., and fairly high rates of educational attainment.

By contrast, the lowest states on the list, New Mexico and Arkansas, both come out looking pretty bad by those standards. So if you’re not looking for a rich spouse with a bachelor’s degree, you might not necessarily agree with some of rankings. (Although those states also have some of the highest violent crime rates, so you might want to do a little extra online sleuthing to background check your dates before you meet up there.)

Here are the 10 best states for online dating, according to the data:

1. New Hampshire 2. Massachusetts 3. Rhode Island 4. Connecticut 5. Maine 6. North Dakota 7. Washington 8. Minnesota 9. New York 10. New Jersey

And these are the 10 worst:

1. Arkansas 2. New Mexico 3. Mississippi 4. Louisiana 5. South Carolina 6. Tennessee 7. Alabama 8. Oklahoma 9. Texas 10. Nevada

For those still struggling to find a Valentine, the map might be a little comforting, in a way. If you’re not finding the love of your life on Tinder in the South, know that you might not be the only one struggling. It’s not you; it’s the state.

Versus Reviews

The Most Popular Cocktail in Each State, Mapped

BY Kirstin Fawcett

February 2, 2018

Versus Reviews

Long Island Iced Teas are popular in many states, but New York (home to Long Island, its purported birthplace) surprisingly isn’t one of them, at least according to the team over at product review website Versus Reviews. Versus Reviews looked at Google search data from the past 12 months to see which recipes, garnish ideas, and other cocktail-related queries were searched the most in each state, and found that alcohol interests can vary significantly by region.

There was some agreement, as you can see from the map below. Long Island Iced Teas and Whiskey Sours seem to reign supreme for many cocktail enthusiasts across America. Drinkers in six states—including Idaho, Oregon, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming—seem to be sweet on Whiskey Sours, while Long Island Iced Teas topped the search results in Connecticut, Iowa, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania.

These bar drinks weren’t the only cocktails to make the cut. Boozy brunch treats proved the most popular in nine states, including Maryland (Mimosas), Tennessee (Tequila Sunrises), and Minnesota (Bloody Marys). Meanwhile, in Southern states like Alabama and Kentucky, drinkers tend to stick with traditional Mint Juleps, according to search data.

Check out the map below to see which cocktail dominated search results in your state.

Fox

D’oh! The Simpsons‘ Favorite Catchphrase, By the Numbers

BY Jay Serafino

January 30, 2018

Fox

Between the iconic main characters and the dozens of offbeat supporting roles, the twisted citizens of Springfield have all given us plenty of quotable lines to use in our everyday lives over the years. But the most recognizable is also the shortest—Homer Simpson’s trademark “D’oh.” This three-letter utterance of annoyance became so universally beloved that it has made its way into both the Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam-Webster Dictionary, being defined as a word “used to express sudden recognition of a foolish blunder or an ironic turn of events.”

As The Simpsons celebrates 29 seasons on the air, the show continues to travel into uncharted waters for a comedy series. The folks over at TonerGiant—a company specializing in printing supplies—have decided to celebrate The Simpsons’s longevity by creating an infographic dedicated to all things “D’oh.” Here, you can learn how many times the catchphrase has been uttered, which episode it appears in most, and other assorted facts, including a bit on the show’s eerily accurate predictions for the future. Plus, if you’re looking to really become a student of Simpsons quotes, you can find out how much it would cost to print out every script from the show’s first 28 seasons.

So if you want to learn more about “D’oh,” and some obscure Simpsons facts for your next trivia night, take a look at the infographic below:

Provided by Toner Giant

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if (jQuery(“#article-1 .article-body .brightcoveinlinemarker”).length > 0) jQuery(“#article-1 .article-body .brightcoveinlinemarker”).html(jQuery(‘#in-article-video-wrapper’)); else if (jQuery(“#article-1 .article-body > p”).length > 2) if(isDesktop) jQuery(‘#in-article-video-wrapper’).insertAfter(jQuery(“#article-1 .article-body > p:nth-of-type(2)”)); jQuery( function( jQuery ) var $window = jQuery( window ); // 1. Window Object. var $featuredMedia = jQuery( “#featured-media” ); // 1. The Video Container. var $featuredVideo = jQuery( “.videoElement” ); // 2. The brightCove Video. var top = $featuredMedia.offset().top; // 4. The video position from the top of the document; var offset = Math.floor( top + ( $featuredMedia.outerHeight() * 0.5 ) ); //5. offset. jQuery(‘.in-aricle-video .close_btn’).on(‘click’, function() ’ + myPlayer.mediainfo.name);

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[lorandunnrealtor]

Real-Estate Property Taxes by State

What states have the lowest property taxes? Property taxes are one of the annual expenses that some buyers may not include in their calculations of the total cost of owning a primary residence or vacation home. However, they are a substantial expense and they can vary by several thousand dollars a year depending on your state or local jurisdiction. The amount of property tax owed depends on the appraised fair market value of the property, as determined by the property tax assessor. Appraisals are conducted annually and reflect changing home values. Property tax liability is calculated by multiplying the nominal property tax rate by the assessment ratio (the percentage of the value of the property that is taxed) by the value of the property. Property taxes are levied by counties, cities, or special tax districts on most types of real estate- including homes, businesses, and parcels of land. Higher property taxes are not necessarily a bad thing, especially if you are looking for a community with good schools. School funding comes from a combination of three sources: about 45 percent of school funding comes from local money (primarily property taxes), 45 percent from the state and 10 percent federal. In every state, though, inequity between wealthier and poorer districts continues to exist. That’s often because education is paid for with the amount of money available in a district. Thus, students in higher-income towns with higher home values tend to have easy access to guidance counselors, school psychologists, personal laptops, and up-to-date textbooks, while those in high-poverty areas don’t. Like most taxes, property taxes are more likely to rise than fall. Even though they receive annual assessments and tax bill, many homeowners may not pay close attention to tax increases because they choose to pay taxes through an escrow account managed by their mortgage servicer. Homeowners who pay taxes and homeowners insurance through an escrow account receive a single monthly bill that includes their mortgage and escrow payments, which spread the cost of property taxes over a six or 12-month period. Below is a ranking of states from Wallethub based on the effective real estate property tax rates in 2017. Using $179,000 as a median home value, the table provides a general idea of what annual property taxes will be in each state. However, effective property tax rates differ widely across and within states, making them difficult to compare. In addition to variation in statutory tax rates, local governments use various methods to calculate their real property tax base. The Smart Asset website provides a property tax calculator that you can use to find local property tax rates by ZIP Codes and get an estimate of annual property taxes based on assessed valuation of a home. Real-Estate Property Taxes by State Rank State Effective Real-Estate Tax Rate Annual Taxes on a $179K Home* State Median Home Value Annual Taxes on Home at State Median Value 1 Hawaii 0.27% $487 $515,300 $1,406 2 Alabama 0.43% $773 $125,500 $543 3 Louisiana 0.49% $876 $144,100 $707 4 Delaware 0.54% $959 $231,500 $1,243 5 District of Columbia 0.56% $1,000 $475,800 $2,665 6 South Carolina 0.57% $1,019 $139,900 $798 7 West Virginia 0.58% $1,044 $103,800 $607 8 Colorado 0.60% $1,073 $247,800 $1,489 9 Wyoming 0.61% $1,097 $194,800 $1,196 10 Arkansas 0.62% $1,111 $111,400 $693 11 Utah 0.68% $1,218 $215,900 $1,472 12 New Mexico 0.74% $1,324 $160,300 $1,188 13 Tennessee 0.75% $1,335 $142,100 $1,062 14 Idaho 0.76% $1,366 $162,900 $1,246 15 Mississippi 0.79% $1,408 $103,100 $813 16 Virginia 0.80% $1,420 $245,000 $1,948 17 (tie) California 0.81% $1,438 $385,500 $3,104 17 (tie) Arizona 0.81% $1,446 $167,500 $1,356 19 (tie) Montana 0.85% $1,525 $193,500 $1,652 19 (tie) Kentucky 0.85% $1,511 $123,200 $1,042 19 (tie) North Carolina 0.85% $1,524 $154,900 $1,322 19 (tie) Nevada 0.85% $1,523 $173,700 $1,481 23 Indiana 0.87% $1,560 $124,200 $1,085 24 Oklahoma 0.88% $1,569 $117,900 $1,036 25 Georgia 0.94% $1,685 $148,100 $1,397 26 Missouri 1.00% $1,790 $138,400 $1,387 27 Florida 1.06% $1,894 $159,000 $1,686 28 (tie) Oregon 1.08% $1,929 $237,300 $2,563 28 (tie) Washington 1.08% $1,931 $259,500 $2,805 30 Maryland 1.10% $1,956 $286,900 $3,142 31 North Dakota 1.12% $2,000 $153,800 $1,722 32 (tie) Alaska 1.18% $2,112 $250,000 $2,956 32 (tie) Minnesota 1.18% $2,110 $186,200 $2,200 34 Massachusetts 1.20% $2,139 $333,100 $3,989 35 Maine 1.30% $2,321 $173,800 $2,259 36 South Dakota 1.34% $2,389 $140,500 $1,879 37 Kansas 1.40% $2,502 $132,000 $1,849 38 Iowa 1.48% $2,649 $129,200 $1,916 39 Pennsylvania 1.53% $2,725 $166,000 $2,533 40 Ohio 1.56% $2,794 $129,900 $2,032 41 New York 1.62% $2,899 $283,400 $4,600 42 Rhode Island 1.63% $2,915 $238,000 $3,884 43 Vermont 1.74% $3,116 $217,500 $3,795 44 Michigan 1.78% $3,172 $122,400 $2,174 45 Nebraska 1.85% $3,308 $133,200 $2,467 46 Texas 1.90% $3,386 $136,000 $2,578 47 Wisconsin 1.96% $3,499 $165,800 $3,248 48 Connecticut 1.97% $3,517 $270,500 $5,327 49 New Hampshire 2.15% $3,838 $237,300 $5,100 50 Illinois 2.30% $4,105 $173,800 $3,995 51 New Jersey 2.35% $4,189 $315,900 $7,410 The post Real-Estate Property Taxes by State appeared first on Homes.com.

[othersportsnews-blog]

Previewing July's biggest commitments - On The Trail

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Previewing July's biggest commitments - On The Trail

The thirty day period of June has appear and gone with 34 ESPN 300 commitments. Ohio Condition, Texas, Oregon and Oklahoma were the month’s big winners. Whilst July will not see as many names appear off the board, there are a amount of choices on deck that could show to be impactful for a amount of systems.

Listed here is a preview of 5 choices that are absolutely sure to make headlines this thirty day period:

QB Woodrow Lowe III

ESPN 300: No. 229

Lowe is a person of 7 quarterbacks in the ESPN 300 not at present fully commited. West Virginia is regarded the beloved over Illinois, Arkansas Condition and North Carolina with Southern Mississippi, Houston and Memphis rounding out a final 7. The No. 6-ranked prospect in the Condition of Tennessee has college or university possibilities in baseball and soccer, and that could aspect into his selection. The Mountaineers has been trending for the 4-star sign -aller due to the fact an early June go to, and Dana Holgorsen has due to the fact additional 3 talented vast receiver commits to assist offer the possibilities in the long term for the talented passer.

Major seven (random order) motivation in July!!! pic.twitter.com/VCkripBSeM

— Woodrow Lowe (Trey) (@treylowe10) June 17, 2017

Prediction: West Virginia

WR Al’vonte Woodard

ESPN 300: No. 79

The nation’s No. 12-ranked receiver is set to announce his selection July fifteen with Texas regarded the major beloved over LSU, Ohio Condition, Ole Overlook and Texas A&M. The Longhorns have been trending for months and this is a person of those “must-win’ recruitments for Tom Herman to retain the constructive momentum heading. With 3 of the Lone Star State’s prime-ten prospective clients presently headed to Austin, selecting up a motivation from No. eleven in the condition would continue on to make the momentum with fellow ESPN 300s D’Shawn Jamison, Brennan Eagles and Keondre Coburn scheduled to announce choices in August. The Longhorns would continue on to be on pace for a prime-5 course in Herman’s very first year in Austin with a solid July and August.

Prediction: Texas

CB Jaycee Horn

ESPN 300: No. 145

If there is a person player that could delay a July selection it would be the 6-foot, one hundred eighty-pound cornerback and son for previous NFL Pro Bowl receiver Joe Horn. If the Peach Condition prospect does commit, Alabama, Tennessee and South Carolina are the entrance-runners. There is a solid relationship with Gamecocks defensive coordinator Travaris Robinson and head coach Will Muschamp, but the Volunteers have near friendships in Georgia and a solid relationship with Butch Jones. Should really Horn go in advance with his announcement, his recruitment will not be over as he designs to make formal visits just after offering a verbal pledge.

Prediction: South Carolina

TE Jeremy Ruckert

ESPN 300: No. 113

A single of the nations prime limited finish prospective clients will appear off the board July seventeenth. The No. 2 ranked prospect in the condition of New York has a final 4 of Ohio Condition, Michigan, Wisconsin and Notre Dame with the Buckeyes the major beloved. Limited finish stays a posture of have to have for the Buckeyes in the 2018 course owning not inked a limited finish in the 2017 cycle. A gain on July seventeenth for City Meyer and staff members would be yet another step in signing the nations prime ranked course in 2018, presently boasting the No. 1 ranked course with thirteen ESPN 300 commits among the 14 verbals. With the No. 1-ranked prospect in the condition, two-way lineman Matthew Jones, presently fully commited, Ohio Condition would have crushed out Large 12 competitiveness and Notre Dame for the prime two prospective clients out of The Empire Condition.

Closing four it is really formal!! I’ll be committing to a person of these four educational facilities in the subsequent handful of weeks. Remain tuned‼️ #Blessed pic.twitter.com/SGdD6h9WuD

— Jeremy Ruckert (@Jeremy_Ruckert1) July 3, 2017

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Our accounting CPE courses cover a wide range of self-study topics for any CPA including CPE for accounting, auditing CPE, and consulting services CPE.

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