Tuition Increases

Tuition Increases In 1914, the tuition cost to go to the University of Pennsylvania at the Wharton School estimated at about $150 with a general fee of $10. This does not include other expenses such as room and board- which estimated to $180 and textbooks- estimated to $10. It is now 2014, one century later, and the tuition cost to go the exact university and school is $40,594, general fee of $3,772, technology fee of $716, and a recreation fee of $324. Once more, this does not include the expenses of residence halls ($8,330) and the average meal plan ($4,592). It is incredulous how, not only did the tuition increase tremendously, but now there are additional costs that had once not existed (UNIVERSITY HISTORY). In total, the sum of all expenses in 1914 totaled to about $350 and the sum of all expenses for 2014 is approximately $58,328. Focusing on tuition alone, the sum of the 2014 tuition cost still exceeds the amount in 1914 by a tremendous feat. In fact, tuition has risen annually by two to three percent more than the rate of inflation (EDUCAUSE Homepage). The University of Pennsylvania is just one minor example to the plethora of colleges that have increased their tuition prices. This particular university is one in the thousands upon thousands of other colleges in America that have raised their tuition; and one can only imagine how private or ivy league schools tuition is increasing. Now why exactly is tuition rising at a rapid speed? First, let us define tuition. Tuition is the sum of money charged for teaching or instruction by a school, college, or university. This being said, the cause of a rising tuition can be directed from many different outlets. It could be due to flat economies, huge budget deficits, or ba... ... middle of paper ... ...rnative traditional way. For example, students are now able to download textbooks online rather than getting a hard copy of a textbook. This helps reduce the cost and amount of textbooks for the university and for the students. Overall, the cost of tuition is gradually increasing at a rapid rate and can either increase or decrease at any given time. The rate at which tuition has increased is rather alarming and is absolutely shocking at everything universities make students pay for. Fortunately, measures have been taken to reduce the tuition costs which will, hopefully, benefit every student going or even considering college. Not only is college a wonderful learning and knowledgeable experience, but it is also where students make the best friendships and it’s the “time of your life.” Tuition shouldn’t be the minor factor of preventing a student to going to college.