By Sophia Sullivan, Editorials Editor
It is no secret that tuition is one of the more important deciding factors in one’s choice of college. In fact, according to a poll by USA Today, nearly half (45 percent) of individuals pursuing higher education degrees consider tuition prices as their “top factor” when applying to schools.
On Dec. 9, Saint Leo University students received an email from Student Financial Services, stating that the tuition for the 2023-2024 academic year would see a five percent increase, resulting in a price of $26,240 per year, compared to last year’s price of $24,990 per year.
In addition to this change, the unlimited meal plan will be replaced with a 19-meal plan and the Student Health Fee will be raised.
Students foresee challenges due to these financial changes. Khamille Labbé, a senior majoring in English, expressed her concerns about enrollment rates dropping.
“The more Saint Leo raises tuition, the more students will transfer, drop out, or do whatever they can to pay the least amount of money possible,” she said.
Labbé also pointed out that “college is a business and students are the customers.” If students continue to leave, there will be few customers left.
“Supply and demand cannot work without consumers,” said Labbé.
Obviously, Saint Leo does not want to lose their students. As Labbé points out, for her, “the costs were not equal to the reward.”
Chloe Doherty, a freshman majoring in forensic science, is a student from out of state who must consider these costs in the upcoming years. Adjusting her habits so that she can afford housing here at Saint Leo is a priority for her.
“I will have to make changes to the way I eat and spend my free time. I will likely have to get a job in order to keep affording schooling,” she said.
For many, college is a dream come true. Many students will do whatever it takes to stay in school.
Khristian Parrish, a senior majoring in political science, stated that he “had to work two jobs throughout the break” so that he could stay at Saint Leo.
Similarly, Labbé “was willing to sacrifice her savings and anything else to assure [she]got to go and stay in college.”
This is something that students must consider in times of inflation and tuition rate increases. Are they reaping enough benefits for the money and time they put into it?
Students like Labbé and Parrish would be content with paying additional tuition if they knew the extra money they were paying would go towards the renovation and improvement of current facilities.
“The dorms need to be remodeled and recarpeted, the dining hall needs upgrades or a contracted company, or there needs to be raises for the staff,” said Parrish.
Private schools, such as Saint Leo, are known for their higher tuition rates. Most students would gladly pay more should they see improvements in areas that make their money worthwhile, and for the correct reasons.
“I’m for raising tuition if it’s for the benefit of the students and people on campus,” said Labbé. “But I’m not for raising costs just to make Saint Leo a competitive market compared to other schools.”
While it seems like Financial Aid could be the solution to the issue at hand, the scholarships they are offering may fall a bit short. Tuition is increasing by $1,250 dollars, but, according to Saint Leo’s website, most scholarships are only increasing by $1,000 dollars each.
That extra $250 may not seem like a big deal, but it could mean a difference to some students who depend on those scholarships.
Above all, Labbé calls for “more communication” between the college and students, “for an effective transaction.”
Evidently, these issues are incredibly important to students. Students are calling for a reform in the ways they see their money being used. They want to see Saint Leo thrive, but only if they are aware of where their additional money is going.
