Who DOES Want a Tuition Increase?

The author of “Who really wants a tuition increase?” examines and criticizes the constant higher education tuition hike, claiming that the raising rates may be hurting future students more than they are helping them. Some universities’ tuition are reaching levels that are becoming more unattainable by lower economic classes. Though it is still not impossible to raise the funds to attend these schools, it can often be overly discouraging to some that have their “sights set high.” The author makes many valid points; even if one succeeds at raising sufficient funds, it is possible for dispiriting effects of debt burdens to last for thirty years.

I believe that a drastic reformation of state education funding is needed. However, many disparaging clichés come to mind: old habits are hard to change, no free lunch, same $#*% different day, life is not fair, and so on. Many higher education institutions, inside and outside the country, have had great success by making education virtually free. It is possible for a school to make monetary sacrifices and not lose prestige. It appears that prestige is ultimately what UT and some UT students seek with higher tuition, though they guise the rates hikes with such reasoning as “better student services, better teachers, teacher retention.” Reading between those lines is not difficult; those are more prestigious qualities. However, a humungous student body reduces prestige, and UT has one of the largest in the country. It is very unfortunate if UT’s tactic is to “weed out” students with higher tuition.

So who does really want a tuition increase? Those that stand to gain, like alumni, who have already paid their dues. Those that are not really interested in producing an educated and diversified Texas population, maybe? Those that are not willing to sacrifice any economic lag due to a sociological catch-up. Hopefullly, time will heal all, and there will be a big sunshine after heavy rain, and the chickens will come home to roost, but only time will tell.