Brandon Cortés- News Writer
As inflation rates continue to climb, students at the university express concerns about how this economic phenomenon could affect their education. With rising costs of living and operating expenses, many are worried about the potential impact on university funding and tuition fees.
At the heart of the issue is the fact that inflation erodes the purchasing power of money over time. This means that the same amount of money will buy fewer goods and services as prices rise. For universities, this translates into higher expenses for everything from faculty salaries to facility maintenance.
Exercise science major Jaylen Tucker, a junior, expressed his worries of the potential effects of inflation on university funding, stating that as inflation rises, the cost of running a university increases as well.
“I saw the same thing back in California. It’s just a matter of time to see it here as well,” Tucker said.
Other students echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the potential impact on tuition fees.
“If universities are facing higher expenses due to inflation, it’s likely that they’ll pass on some of those costs to students through increased tuition fees,” biology major Santi Arounsack-Colon, a junior, said. “For students already struggling to afford their education, this could make attending university even more challenging.”
The issue of affordability was a recurring theme in the conversations with students. Many expressed frustration about the rising cost of higher education and the financial strain it places on students and their families.
“I’m already taking out loans to pay for tuition, and the thought of it increasing even more because of inflation is really concerning,” computer science major Alana Parris, a freshman, said. “It feels like pursuing a college degree is becoming increasingly unattainable for some students.”
The rising cost of tuition has far-reaching consequences, affecting not only students’ financial well-being but also their mental health and academic performance. Many students report feeling stressed and overwhelmed by the pressure to cover tuition expenses while juggling coursework and extracurricular activities.
Moreover, the issue of university funding and tuition is not a new one, but the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities and highlighted the urgency for change. As students grapple with job losses, financial instability and uncertainty about the future, the need for affordable education has never been more pressing.
In addition to concerns about tuition fees, students also raised questions about college funding. They emphasized the importance of understanding how universities allocate their resources and whether there are opportunities to increase efficiency and reduce costs without compromising educational quality.
