This academic term, the Lane Board of Education voted to increase students’ tuition fees by 5% with a 4-3 vote. In response to this news, we asked five students for their opinions to get a general understanding of how the student body, the ones most affected by the tuition increase, felt about the matter.
Students responded to three questions: their general opinion on the matter, where they hoped the money would go, and if they knew who to ask if they had any questions or complaints about the increase.
Lilly, a first-year art student going for a transfer degree, feels that the increase will simply make community college less accessible for those in low-income situations, most of whom are already struggling with the cost of tuition as it is.
However, she also would like the money to go back to the students in some way by paying for the classes and programs which are sorely underfunded and could use the financial help.
Emma, a second-year psychology student paying out of pocket for her education, admitted that the idea of the tuition increase made her feel anxious and filled with stress. She hopes that if the board does go through with the increase, they will put the money toward scholarships in order to aid their students.
Both Emma and Lilly stated that if they had any questions they would most likely go to the financial aid office in Building 1, a sentiment shared by the next interviewee.
Jaime, a second-year aviation student and veteran, shared that he feels the rise in tuition will negatively affect those currently in low-income situations and who do not have access to financial support, especially international students who are charged far more than residential students.
He shares Lilly and Emma’s opinion that the money should go back to the students either through scholarships or better pay for programs and teachers.
We next spoke to Shaylnn, a first-year theater major, and herself an international student. She feels that the tuition increase is a bad idea but agrees with other students that the money should at least go back into programs and classes. If she has any questions though she says she will speak with the international office.
The final interview was with Brian, a second-year ecology student, who shared that the situation made him feel frustrated. He stated that he wasn’t sure what he would like the money to go toward but that, as the cost of living is already extremely high, the cost of education was simply adding more stress.
He said that if he had any complaints or questions he would ask the Board of Education.
