With seniors eager to figure out where they will attend college for the next four years, many students have had to narrow their choices because of tuition costs. College has always been expensive and has caused students a lot of stress. But over the last few years, tuition has been getting even more expensive. For the 25-26 school year, tuition has been rising, regardless of whether the school is public or private.
Many students can’t decide where to go to college, as it is a big decision. Many end up choosing based on the school’s cost. As prices rise, students need to consider how much they will owe in student loans upon graduation. A new trend is that many students are choosing the cheaper state school option over the more expensive private school. Especially since many students plan to return to school after four years in college to earn an additional degree, the cost can add up quickly. “I applied to a college closer to home in Minnesota, as many of those options are cheaper,” senior Marcella Phillips said.
One factor driving rising tuition is inflation. Many students try to get as much financial aid as possible, but sometimes that can be difficult. Each year, the application process changes and can be quite confusing for many. With colleges becoming more competitive, it can be harder to stand out academically. However, scholarships and financial aid can help students save a lot of money. “[Scholarships are] pretty important to me, because I don’t want to go into debt or anything. But also, like the campus itself is a factor for me to consider,” senior Maddie Seymour said.
Students are trying to prepare themselves for college tuition as best as they can. From housing to meal plans, it all adds up extremely fast. It’s important to come into college with a plan for how one wants to budget and spend their money. Many students are planning to work this spring, summer, or even throughout college to help pay fees. “I was a nanny all last summer, and then I’m getting a job as soon as basketball ends, and I’ll probably be a nanny again this summer,” Seymour said.
Overall, as college costs rise, many students are starting to base their decisions on price. College has been getting more expensive due to reduced state funding, high demand, and increased operational costs. Tuition spikes make it extremely difficult for students to attend their dream school.