College Expenses Rising To Provide Students With Better Resources

By: Kelsey Murray
Posted In: News

College tuition. Two words that frighten any parent or student during the process of applying to schools or even continuing education at any given college for the next year. It all comes down to finding the right fit for any individual student, regardless of the tuition cost.

A “New York Times” article cites a new study by Public Agenda, that says six out of 10 Americans say that colleges today operate more like a business, focused more on a bottom line, rather than the educational experience. Over 54 percent of Americans say that “colleges could spend less and maintain a high quality of education.”

Colleen Emerson, a 22-year-veteran Dean of Admissions at Salve Regina University whose job includes overseeing all admissions operations, knows that college costs have increased. Emerson says Salve Regina still focuses on academics. “Salve has a real grasp for the educational experience,” Emerson said.

When looking at potential students, Emerson said high school transcripts and curriculum are the first things Salve takes into consideration. “Our biggest thing is that we want to make sure a student is prepared,” said Emerson. “The last thing in the world we want them to do is fail.”

Salve Regina also looks for a well- rounded student. “We find more and more we are looking at students holistically,” Emerson said. “We look for those students who were leaders in high school.”

Although Salve is focused primarily on academics, Emerson agrees that the programs offered at universities attract students and is an important part of what they’re getting out of their institution.

According to the Public Agenda survey, “many college presidents say they are caught in an unbreakable relationship between the cost of running their operations, the number of students they can educate and maintaining educational quality.”

Thomas Flanagan, a professor of business studies, has spent the past 28 years at Salve Regina University. “College is a business,” Flanagan said. “All businesses have bottom lines. There is no free lunch.” He explains that all colleges have to obtain steady revenue to keep from going under.

In order to attract people to come to a university, programs need to be implemented that will attract students. “By building new facilities, having high standards and having access to wireless internet and cable, you’re going to attract more people,” Flanagan said.

While Flanagan agrees college has become very expensive, he also emphasizes the value of the experience. “What is the value of the education you receive?” Flanagan asked. “What are you going to do with it once you have your diploma in hand? Did you get your money’s worth?”

While teachers and admissions offices attempt to educate the next generation and struggle to keep up with budgets, students continue to tread the consumer line of universities looking for the “right fit.”