Where does the money go?

In the last IU board of trustees meeting, the University once again increased tuition, this time by 4 percent. They increased tuition by $202 per year for returning in-state students and $627 for non-resident returning students.\nNot only is tuition rising, but this fall, the $1,000 fee that was approved last June will go into effect. All incoming freshmen will pay $1,202, a 23 percent increase from last year.\nThe increase follows the heels of universities around the state who are hiking up costs, many including a $1,000 fee. \nBall State University, Purdue University and most recently, Indiana State University, all have approved $1,000 fees rather than simply creating a single tuition increase. Maybe one large percentage increase in tuition will scare more students away than several smaller percentage increases coupled with various "fees."\nCan you imagine if IU told incoming freshmen and their parents there will be a 23 percent increase in tuition next year?\nAccording to the trustees, the fee will go toward the University's "Commitment to Excellence" program. The funds will be allocated to programs in human biology, interdisciplinary science, the study of the human body, the expansion of research and teaching in international studies, optometry and environmental science, as well as hiring more faculty in the School of Music.\nBut the last time we checked, there seemed to be students in other programs, such as education, business and general studies. These programs are being overlooked by the administration because they failed to meet the need-based requirements set by the University. \nAlthough we understand these programs probably need help more than some, incoming freshmen probably don't want to read about $1,000 of their money going toward programs they'll never enroll in.\nBut there is a solution. The University could give part of that $1,000 to financial need for incoming students.\nNope. Sorry. At least, not exactly.\nThe University said there will be $3.9 million in financial aid to students "by the fifth year of the program," or 2007. They are vague as to whether or not the money is available beforehand, if at all.\nSo most students are left wondering: Will this $1,000 really help me?\nThe money will go toward improving the quality of the University overall, helping programs where they need help and decreasing the faculty-to-student ratio. But the money really will help students down the road, rather than those now who not only have to suffer the lack of jobs after graduation but also the high costs they shouldn't have to pay.\nThe Associated Press reported that Ball State's $1,000 fee would go toward providing more than $1 million a year in financial aid, something Indiana's residents need.\nBecause not only do Indiana students have to suffer through hard economic times, they're suffering through harder times because of continuing tuition increases.\nThe University needs to ensure students now that their money is going to help them personally. It shouldn't go to programs students might never be enrolled in and future students they'll never meet.\n-- Josh Sanburn for the Editorial Board