2008 Woodie Awards
Students think they get what they pay for
Elaine Wilson
Issue date: 1/23/07 Section: Viewpoints
- Page 1 of 1
If the University of Tennessee suddenly sent out an announcement that they were cutting tuition in half, would you feel as though the education you were getting wasn't as good as other colleges who charged more?
According to many universities across the nation, the answer is a resounding yes.
Many colleges are increasing their tuition to match colleges that they consider their rivals, while at the same time providing more financial aid.
Evidently, prospective students and their parents believe in the old adage "You get what you pay for." Universities have recognized that people associate price with quality, and that by raising tuition and accompanying that with discounts, they can lure more applicants and increase revenue. At the same time they're helping to create an academic system that sees prices rising faster than inflation.
Some college officials say that they're offering an education costing tens of thousands more than the college's retail price.
Some universities offer the latest and greatest in amenities that are sought by students. Everything from large and lavish dorms and apartments to state-of-the-art fitness centers to coffee bars. If students want it, the universities will supply it. All for a price, of course.
If you thought that colleges only raised tuition because of a genuine need, think again. Many are keeping up with the Joneses.
Finance committees meet and go over charts of tuition and room and board rates at comparable colleges.
Some freely admit to the practice. The president of Notre Dame, the Rev. John I. Jenkins, admits to "setting it by our competitors."
At the same time, colleges have been increasing financial aid they offer to students as well as other "perks" such as more hands-on experience outside the classroom.
Admittedly, all of that sounds really nice. It would be great if UTM were able to have some sort of a local establishment, such as a hotel, where students could work in their own fields and run the business. No more searching all over the country for internships. Students majoring in marketing, public relations and accounting could gain experience while under the watchful eye of the university.
That's probably just wishful thinking on my part. Still, it would be a valid reason to raise tuition instead of "everyone else is doing it, so why shouldn't we?"
According to many universities across the nation, the answer is a resounding yes.
Many colleges are increasing their tuition to match colleges that they consider their rivals, while at the same time providing more financial aid.
Evidently, prospective students and their parents believe in the old adage "You get what you pay for." Universities have recognized that people associate price with quality, and that by raising tuition and accompanying that with discounts, they can lure more applicants and increase revenue. At the same time they're helping to create an academic system that sees prices rising faster than inflation.
Some college officials say that they're offering an education costing tens of thousands more than the college's retail price.
Some universities offer the latest and greatest in amenities that are sought by students. Everything from large and lavish dorms and apartments to state-of-the-art fitness centers to coffee bars. If students want it, the universities will supply it. All for a price, of course.
If you thought that colleges only raised tuition because of a genuine need, think again. Many are keeping up with the Joneses.
Finance committees meet and go over charts of tuition and room and board rates at comparable colleges.
Some freely admit to the practice. The president of Notre Dame, the Rev. John I. Jenkins, admits to "setting it by our competitors."
At the same time, colleges have been increasing financial aid they offer to students as well as other "perks" such as more hands-on experience outside the classroom.
Admittedly, all of that sounds really nice. It would be great if UTM were able to have some sort of a local establishment, such as a hotel, where students could work in their own fields and run the business. No more searching all over the country for internships. Students majoring in marketing, public relations and accounting could gain experience while under the watchful eye of the university.
That's probably just wishful thinking on my part. Still, it would be a valid reason to raise tuition instead of "everyone else is doing it, so why shouldn't we?"
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