BU Students Arent Too Happy About the 2015-2016 Tuition Increase

The recent increase in tuition and mandatory fees at Boston University has
sparked frustration and concern among the student population. The Board of
Trustees has decided on a rise that results in a 3.8 percent increase in tuition and a
3.5 increase in basic room and board. The tuition and mandatory fees for the 20152016 year have been set at $48,436. BU tuition has been rising over the past few
years and the number of kids receiving financial aid is expected to increase.
Students at Boston University are frustrated wit the rise in tuition. In their
opinion, the cost of tuition is already comparatively high. Anna Scionti, a
sophomore, comments, I have three siblings who have gone through college and
so far BU costs the most. The fact that they are raising the tuition even higher
seems unnecessary. While BU doesnt have the highest tuition in the country, it is
a great price to pay for a college education.
Many current students already receive financial aid from the university.
Families cannot afford to send their kids here on their own already. Parents share
the same frustrations as the students. Abby Hickey, a sophomore, responds, I had
to convince my parents to let me come here. The tuition was already high enough.
Making it higher isnt helping anyone. A major fear of students is student debt
incurred over their four years here. They will already be facing major expenses
before they even graduate.
Some students are worried about future tuition increases. Over the past five
years, BU tuition increase has averaged almost 4 percent. Chris Falco, a
sophomore, comments, Tuition continues to increase. I wonder how much Ill be
paying senior year. Will the rising tuition ever stop? If the trend continues, then
we can expect a further increase in tuition over the next few years.
Boston University is not the only school that has recently raised its tuition
and fees. Georgetown will be raising its tuition and fees by 4 percent and the
University of South Carolina by 3.9 percent. According to recent studies, the cost
of undergraduate is twelve times higher than it was thirty-five years ago. The
indexed price of tuition and fees as increased by more than 1,122 percent since
1978. With such increases in tuition, the percentage of college students graduating
with debt has increased significantly. It seems that the cost of attending college
will only increase in the years to come.

President Robert Brown stands behind the universitys decision. He is

currently receiving the highest salary of all BU officers, trustees and employees.
This brings into question how the money is being allocated. Where is the extra
money being paid each year going? The University continues to receive increased
grants and pledging, with a total of $129,277,974 received at the end of 2013.
Students question the need for increased tuition if outside money is being provided.
Major expenses for the university include salaries and wages, grants to
individuals, and other non-specified expenses. It can be assumed that extra money
from fees and tuition is being directed toward these expenses. However, the
university has not clearly stated the exact allocation of the money. Students are
partly frustrated because they are unaware of where their money is going. Emily
Whittington, a junior, comments, I would appreciate for the university to tell me
where this increase in tuition is going. What am I paying for? It is easier to
rationalize paying more when you know the reason why. Maybe other students
would be less angry if they were provided with an exact allocation of costs. The
university has yet to release a statement with where the money is being directed.
Not every student is dismayed by the tuition increase. Ryan Neubauer, a
junior, responds, An increase in tuition means the university is becoming more
competitive. More people want to come here and the school is raising its standards.
The tuition must rise with that. There are fees associated with the productivity and
success of the campus. The increase is a positive reflection on the university. The
expectations for the school are rising in response to the rising tuition. While most
students would disagree with Ryans statement, he does provide an alternative
response to the tuition increase.
Boston University stands by its decision to increase tuition and mandatory
fees for the upcoming year. is firm in its commitment to provide a higher education
for its students. As Paul Gleason comments, I guess you just have to pay more for
higher quality. Incoming and returning students will face the fees, despite their
own personal opinions.