Bu Tuition Increase 71656a

BU Students Aren’t Too Happy About the 2015-2016 Tuition Increase The recent increase in tuition and mandatory fees at Boston University has sparked frustration and concern among the student population. The Board of Trustees has decided on a rise that results in a 3.8 percent increase in tuition and a 3.5 increase in basic room and board. The tuition and mandatory fees for the 20152016 year have been set at $48,436. BU tuition has been rising over the past few years and the number of kids receiving financial aid is expected to increase. Students at Boston University are frustrated wit the rise in tuition. In their opinion, the cost of tuition is already comparatively high. Anna Scionti, a sophomore, comments, “I have three siblings who have gone through college and so far BU costs the most. The fact that they are raising the tuition even higher seems unnecessary.” While BU doesn’t have the highest tuition in the country, it is a great price to pay for a college education. Many current students already receive financial aid from the university. Families cannot afford to send their kids here on their own already. Parents share the same frustrations as the students. Abby Hickey, a sophomore, responds, “I had to convince my parents to let me come here. The tuition was already high enough. Making it higher isn’t helping anyone.” A major fear of students is student debt incurred over their four years here. They will already be facing major expenses before they even graduate. Some students are worried about future tuition increases. Over the past five years, BU tuition increase has averaged almost 4 percent. Chris Falco, a sophomore, comments, “ Tuition continues to increase. I wonder how much I’ll be paying senior year. Will the rising tuition ever stop?” If the trend continues, then we can expect a further increase in tuition over the next few years. Boston University is not the only school that has recently raised its tuition and fees. Georgetown will be raising its tuition and fees by 4 percent and the University of South Carolina by 3.9 percent. According to recent studies, the cost of undergraduate is twelve times higher than it was thirty-five years ago. The indexed price of tuition and fees as increased by more than 1,122 percent since 1978. With such increases in tuition, the percentage of college students graduating with debt has increased significantly. It seems that the cost of attending college will only increase in the years to come.

President Robert Brown stands behind the university’s decision. He is currently receiving the highest salary of all BU officers, trustees and employees. This brings into question how the money is being allocated. Where is the extra money being paid each year going? The University continues to receive increased grants and pledging, with a total of $129,277,974 received at the end of 2013. Students question the need for increased tuition if outside money is being provided. Major expenses for the university include salaries and wages, grants to individuals, and other non-specified expenses. It can be assumed that extra money from fees and tuition is being directed toward these expenses. However, the university has not clearly stated the exact allocation of the money. Students are partly frustrated because they are unaware of where their money is going. Emily Whittington, a junior, comments, “I would appreciate for the university to tell me where this increase in tuition is going. What am I paying for? It is easier to rationalize paying more when you know the reason why. Maybe other students would be less angry if they were provided with an exact allocation of costs.” The university has yet to release a statement with where the money is being directed. Not every student is dismayed by the tuition increase. Ryan Neubauer, a junior, responds, “An increase in tuition means the university is becoming more competitive. More people want to come here and the school is raising its standards. The tuition must rise with that. There are fees associated with the productivity and success of the campus.” The increase is a positive reflection on the university. The expectations for the school are rising in response to the rising tuition. While most students would disagree with Ryan’s statement, he does provide an alternative response to the tuition increase. Boston University stands by its decision to increase tuition and mandatory fees for the year. is firm in its commitment to provide a higher education for its students. As Paul Gleason comments, “I guess you just have to pay more for higher quality.” Incoming and returning students will face the fees, despite their own personal opinions.