2008 Woodie Awards
Tuition increases raise questions and student concerns
Despite competitive pricing, students continue to question the University's value
Victoria Colozzi
Issue date: 4/30/08 Section: News
According to Provost and Vice President of Student Affairs Geoffrey Brackett, tuition rates will increase for students entering Fall 2007 by four percent for the 2008-2009 academic year. For students who entered before Fall 2007, tuition will remain the same. Additionally, all University students will see a five percent increase in fees and, as previously reported, a seven percent increase in housing costs.
"We carefully consider any increases to your educational expenses and we are doing all we can to control costs," Brackett said in the release. "Also, we are making every attempt to increase financial aid when possible."
The increase has been met with some concern throughout the University. "I think college has become much too expensive for students and their families to manage," English professor Dr. Walter Srebnick said. "I wish the government and colleges, on every level, would help the students with financial aid and fees. In my day as a student there were both state and national scholarships available."
According to forbes.com, nearly 70 percent of American students have applied for financial aid in order to pay for their collegiate careers.
Students have also expressed continued displeasure for the University's failure to keep the guaranteed tuition plan, which promised students a "locked in" rate without increasing over four years. According to Brackett, "One reason the University experimented with the guaranteed tuition plan a few years ago was to allow students to plan for college expenses."
"Unfortunately, the plan did not work as anticipated," Brackett said. "However those of you who entered under that plan will continue to participate in it on the same basis."
"I think it's unfair," sophomore Alex Carrow said. "When I entered as a freshman it was under the guise that my tuition and fees would be maintained all four years. Now, all of a sudden, due to 'increased expenses,' the fees are also increasing," she said.
"We carefully consider any increases to your educational expenses and we are doing all we can to control costs," Brackett said in the release. "Also, we are making every attempt to increase financial aid when possible."
The increase has been met with some concern throughout the University. "I think college has become much too expensive for students and their families to manage," English professor Dr. Walter Srebnick said. "I wish the government and colleges, on every level, would help the students with financial aid and fees. In my day as a student there were both state and national scholarships available."
According to forbes.com, nearly 70 percent of American students have applied for financial aid in order to pay for their collegiate careers.
Students have also expressed continued displeasure for the University's failure to keep the guaranteed tuition plan, which promised students a "locked in" rate without increasing over four years. According to Brackett, "One reason the University experimented with the guaranteed tuition plan a few years ago was to allow students to plan for college expenses."
"Unfortunately, the plan did not work as anticipated," Brackett said. "However those of you who entered under that plan will continue to participate in it on the same basis."
"I think it's unfair," sophomore Alex Carrow said. "When I entered as a freshman it was under the guise that my tuition and fees would be maintained all four years. Now, all of a sudden, due to 'increased expenses,' the fees are also increasing," she said.
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