Students don’t need a national survey to tell them college tuition rose an average of 7.7 percent last year, including an 8.9 percent raise at MSU. They only need to check their bank accounts.
But while the increases may seem ridiculous, what is more ridiculous is the assumption that universities don’t know how to attempt to keep the tuition costs down.
Before this year, the annual tuition increase was about 2.8 percent and the MSU housing costs were the second lowest in the Big Ten, MSU President M. Peter McPherson said. The 8.9 percent raise is the first substantial raise in tuition costs here in seven years.
At MSU, tuition costs for an in-state student with two 15-credit semesters is $4,972 and room and board for an in-state student with a double room and 20-meal plan is $4,678.
Some universities strive to keep prices down, but sometimes it is inevitable to raise them.
There is a high price to pay to run a high quality research university such as MSU. There is a high price to draw in the newest technology and continue proper maintenance. Retaining faculty is also not cheap, but it makes for a better college education.
The truth is, despite the cost, college is a bargain. The experienced faculty and the assortment of technology just add to a good experience and better education.
A minor raise in tuition costs is no reason to get bent out of shape. Sometimes the best education will be a little more expensive, but in the long run, it is worth every penny.
