Tuition Hike, Take a Hike!

Written by: Rochelle Rosoff

Sadly, financial aid will soon become an urban myth.

As a current student at the University of Central Florida, I stand by my penniless parents and affirm that after only one year of attending an in-state University it has been a burden. Sacrifices have been made, and grandparents have been called in for financial reinforcement.

Upon entering college, it quickly became clear, grades aren’t a form of currency. Unable to afford a college education thanks to rising tuition; classmates, left and right, are dropping like flies from University databases. They are living at home, sacrificing the college experience for free rent, and joining the workforce at McDonald’s instead of joining Greek life. The decision to get a higher education is becoming a burden instead of a time of celebration. America has now become a country ruled by debt and college graduates are no exception.

Schools like Florida State University and the University of Florida have already declared that they will be imposing the 1.7% tuition increase come fall 2013. Florida State University claims that part of the money they receive will be put back in the students’ pockets through financial aid and University of Florida hopes to revive maintenance projects that have been delayed due to budget cuts. Students need their money now, how else are they expected to afford $400 textbooks?

Annually, the Florida Bright Futures scholarship is depleting, and it seems that the opportunity cost of abandoning the college dream overrides the interest in a college education.

After graduation, students are being forced to move back home and accept the title “boomerang kid” instead of employed college graduate. Nonetheless, Universities are demanding a hike in tuition. Do Florida colleges not understand that as a student I can barely afford a latte at Starbucks let alone an increase in tuition.