Tuition Hikes, Students, and Their Wallets

As of recent, Rutgers University has been a target amongst students as news that a new tuition hike will be proposed later this year leaving its students upset about it. So upset, they feel like concerns are not being heard and sports are more of a priority amongst the school than an education.

Some say they already have to cough up money for commuting. This includes tolls, gas, parking and food. When asking students what they thought about the proposed tuition hikes, most if not all felt hopeless.

Alejandra Castano currently commutes from Union to New Brunswick everyday. The news has been nothing far from a shock for her, going on to say, “I have been making payment plans with the school for the last three years. This year, my family and I have taken out credit cards to pay for the tuition in full.”

She’s not the only one who has voiced her concern. The other’s have been doing it around campus and online. Most students have been wondering if this is possibly a rumor and if it will be true.

While asking other students what do they think about the proposed tuition hike, most believed the idea was bogus. “How could a school that has so much in money and grants from the state want to propose something that is only increasing what some students can’t already afford to pay for.” (Castano) The reactions received are very personal and might just shock you.

Third year student Lauren Rowe, not only pays tuition for attendance at Rutgers, she also dorms too. Her tuition hike would increase substantially. More than it already has within the three years she’s already been here. Lauren says, “I don’t know what to do now, but I have it all situated for the rest of the year. I will take it as it comes. Hopefully, it’s not true.”

If this is true, it wouldn’t be the first time it’s happened and it won’t be the last as tuition's have already increased within the last couple of years.

But, for Melissa Lake whose status is part time and also commuter, she faces a greater challenge as the increase would not benefit her in any way. Being that part timer’s don’t receive help, this means her class prices will rise.

This also means her out of pocket cost will be of greater portion as well. With a confused expression on her face she says, “I do part time enrollment because I work at my job and have to pay my rent and other needs. With the tuition going up, that means I will have to dish out at least a 2,500 more dollars. It’s bogus. I guess I should start saving now.”

These responses come from three different people who all share a similar response. While they don’t make up for all of the students attending Rutgers, they make up for a majority of those who are because of hard work and determination.