Tuition Increase, a Necessary Evil

College students hear the words “tuition increase” and run for the hills. They automatically see money leaving their pockets before they even had a chance to hold onto it. Most students see the amount of loans they are collecting going up and up without stopping  to understand what the increase entails and where exactly their money is going.

Do not fret, Rowan University students.

The 3 percent increase in tuition for this school year is relatively mellow when in comparison for other schools around the state. According to a Gloucester County Times article from August, tuition at New Jersey’s public colleges and universities rose its lowest in more than 20 years.

The three percent tuition increase that Rowan University approved over the summer is actually on target with other colleges around the state. Kean University’s tuition and fees rose 2.9 percent, Richard Stockton College of New Jersey rose by 4.5 percent and Ramapo by 6 percent. Governor Jon Corzine actually encouraged institutions to stay at a 3 percent increase by providing those colleges with more federal support.

While no one likes to pay more money, the tuition increase is necessary in relation to the economy. Students this year, more than ever, are choosing to stay in state or transfer than pay the increasing out-of-state costs. The economy is bringing more students in because of Rowan University’s relatively low costs.

Rowan University recently welcomed its largest freshman class ever, which is due in part to the cheaper in-state costs. Consider it a good thing that the enrollment is up because it means that your school is more affordable then others.

The state understood students are in the same financial problems that the rest of the country is; perhaps even worse. The increases across the state have dropped dramatically, down from 7.8 percent last year.  That is why the Rowan administration, in addition to the state, is helping keep the increases down.

Rowan is not ignoring the economy or the students’ needs. Before accepting the 2009-10 budget, the Rowan administration went through it and adjusted the numbers to make it as financially possible for students. Rowan cut managerial positions over the summer, saving around $850,000. Rowan also instituted seven and 10-day furlough periods for employees, which will help save over $1 million.

Its understandable that students are mad when they hear the increase, yet the increase is going to be for the student’s benefit. The money coming in will go for new faculty and more academic programs instituted this year.

Your money will come back to you. Just give it time.