$34,608!!! That is how much Penn state estimates it will cost for a four year college education (according to student budget figures, 1987-88).

Does that sound like a lot of money? Yes -- but wait, there's more. Last week in the mail my parents received a letter asking them for a donation to the college.

The letter's exact words were "You may wish to . . . consider membership in one of the University's most distinguished annual gift clubs, the Presidential Associates, with an annual contribution of $1,000 or more."

I couldn't believe it! My parents saved their money for years so I could have a college education, but Penn State still isn't satisfied.

The University has raised its tuition figures each year that I have been here, which puts enough of a burden on those of us who have to meet that bill.

Asking corporations or alumni for financial support is one thing, but when they pass that line and start nudging parents who pay tuition bills twice a year to make extra contributions, it definitely surpasses the boundaries of good taste.