By Kelsey Murray –
Spending money is unavoidable. As college students, we swipe the debit card for the weekly groceries, rip the check out to pay for the monthly rent and count the pennies pooled in your car cup holder to pay for a daily dose of Starbucks. And yet, this spending is all in addition to the thousands of dollars per semester you’re expected to pay for your classes.
College is pricey, but recently the costs are rising. The Chronicle of Higher Education recently discussed a study done by the Center for College Affordability and Productivity. This study found that two-thirds of the increase in the cost of attending a four-year college from 2000 to 2009 came from nontuition sources. This means that rent, utilities, and books are costing students a bundle.
This sounds familiar coming from a school where a majority of students move off of campus come junior year.
“It really stinks,” said Courtney McManus, a senior marketing major.
“Paying for rent and utilities is annoying because I know I am expected to pay off my school debt come graduation,” said McManus.
“Even with a job I feel like I can’t save money because it goes to my living expenses.”
Her roommate, Lindy Reid, agrees. “I feel like I am drowning in the sea of finances and just can’t catch my breath,” said Reid.
According to the United State Department of Education, the average amount that students paid once savings from scholarships and grants were subtracted increased by nearly $3,000. On the other hand, net tuition prices grew by only about $1,000 over about the same amount of time. Four-year colleges were not the only institutions where costs increased. Costs to attend two-year colleges increased by $1,333, even though net tuition prices decreased by $849.
“Honestly, something needs to be done here,” said Lindsey Cavallaro, a senior nursing major.
“At least oil prices need to go down because the bills just keep adding up and I can’t take it anymore,” said Cavallaro.
You’ve heard it right from the source, students are fed up. Time at Salve will fly by and then students will be out in the world. How can students continue to deal with the expenses and not expect to end up in debt?
