Tuition Increases in Public College Term Paper

Since studies on the effect of tuition increases are few, it falls upon the public school to evaluate the impact of tuition increases on the student population. Schools are also tasked with periodic follow-up on the ongoing requirement for tuition increase, as well as maintaining a dialogue with students on the quality of education vice the increase in cost.

When public colleges are required to increase tuition, they also bear the burden of detailing how additional tuitions will be used. It is most effective when schools implement tuition increases that a portion of the increase be used to plan cost-cutting measures which in turn will reduce the need for future increases.

Many parents facing tuition increases are in precarious financial situations. Most families require that both parents work, and the loss of a job or the breakup of a marriage can reduce financial standing.

Unstable economies which drive up tuition costs also leave families with less income to commit to education costs. Many states now provide prepaid plans and state 529 plans, allowing parents to save in advance for student tuition costs. These plans protect parents against tuition increases for years in the future and allow the states to have money in the 529 reserve accounts. These programs are helpful for the parents, but may possibly place public colleges in a poor financial state should the future be unstable economically. The systems are also complex and now require that many schools employ professional organizations to assist with management.

Lastly, internal budget cuts are the most obvious outcome of public college funding issues. While tuitions may rise, it is inherent that the college review finances intimately to keep future increases as low as possible. Funds must be reallocated to decrease the impact on vulnerable areas.Schools are required to walk a fine line between fiscal and educational responsibility. Colleges must work to maintain educational integrity while keeping tuition bills within reasonable reach. Schools must also stay up-to-date with equipment. Colleges must have access to the latest technologies and software in order to prepare the students. It is not enough for schools simply to buy older products which are less expensive due to impending obsolescence or market forces.

Public colleges in states which have a large population and a wide diversity of income levels are generally able to absorb increases in tuition costs than states which have a primarily middle class population. The latter may still be able to keep pace, however, as long as aid for students is adjusted based on planned tuition increases. Public colleges are more aware than ever regarding the application of business-based discounting policies, and may be able to use these policies to adjust aid for those students most affected. With strict discipline in regards to fund allocation, and with careful analysis of funding, most schools should not find themselves priced out of competition, and many students may still find public college education still within their reach.

References

Abou-Sayf, Frank K. "We strongly disapprove of the UH tuition schedule for 2006-07 to 2010-11, Increases, Demand and Academic Performance," Journal of Applied Research in the Community College, 9(1),2001, 25-44

No Author Listed. "College price increases moderate, but reliance on borrowing still rising"

Diverse Issues in Higher Education, http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0WMX/is_20_22" 2005

Olivas, Michael. "State college savings and prepaid tution plans: a reappraisal and review. Journal of Law and Education. Oct, 2003

No Author listed. "Tuitions Increases at Community Colleges" Academe, Jan/Feb 2004......