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Issue date: 12/4/08
Hopkins was recently ranked the seventh most expensive university in the nation. Administrators have shifted focus on the financial aid program and generally attribute tuition costs to the higher cost of living in urban areas. However, if the University intends to increase affordability and access, we urge administrators not to increase tuition to ease the financial strain on families already struggling in the tightening economy.
As they have for the past 13 years, average college costs have risen faster than inflation, according to the College Board. Federal funding for colleges has fallen dramatically, forcing schools to demand more out of students' pockets. In response to increasing public frustration, universities like Hopkins have been trying to rein in prices and boost financial aid. However, if history is any indication, it seems likely that Hopkins may implement another tuition spike next year. Financial aid is not rising fast enough for middle-class families that are concerned about college access and mounting student debt. This has led families to increasingly rely on private and federal loans to cover college costs. While improving financial aid is a commendable achievement, we strongly discourage the University from increasing current tuition costs. If increasing access is a top priority for University administrators, this move is the most logical first step.
Given the lack of transparency of Hopkins's finances, it is difficult to make specific recommendations for increasing affordability but it is not unreasonable to call for a halt in tuition increases, particularly following the seven percent
As they have for the past 13 years, average college costs have risen faster than inflation, according to the College Board. Federal funding for colleges has fallen dramatically, forcing schools to demand more out of students' pockets. In response to increasing public frustration, universities like Hopkins have been trying to rein in prices and boost financial aid. However, if history is any indication, it seems likely that Hopkins may implement another tuition spike next year. Financial aid is not rising fast enough for middle-class families that are concerned about college access and mounting student debt. This has led families to increasingly rely on private and federal loans to cover college costs. While improving financial aid is a commendable achievement, we strongly discourage the University from increasing current tuition costs. If increasing access is a top priority for University administrators, this move is the most logical first step.
Given the lack of transparency of Hopkins's finances, it is difficult to make specific recommendations for increasing affordability but it is not unreasonable to call for a halt in tuition increases, particularly following the seven percent
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