$10 million for your thoughts

It seems that every year IU students are being told to reach a bit deeper into their wallets to pay for education. In fact, IU-Bloomington is one of several IU campuses that are raising tuition this year.

Bloomington students can expect to see a 5.5 percent increase for the coming year, 2 percent higher than the increase recommended by the Commission of Higher Education.

IU President Michael McRobbie said the increased tuition and other expense-cutting measures, such as the closing of the School of Continuing Studies, are going to “repair and maintenance projects” for IU’s buildings, some of which are more than 100 years old and need money for upkeep.

The blame for increased costs can’t be completely placed on McRobbie and IU. New state legislation has cut IU’s budget, removing $10.4 million.

Yet, students and parents should not be asked to dig deeper into their wallets to make up the funds.

In a letter, McRobbie expressed concern about how Indiana ranks low among state graduation rates.

In 2009, the state-wide four-year graduation rate was 29 percent.  However, IU is doing well.

The Bloomington campus has a 71 percent graduation rate. But there is little room for growth, and state funding is currently being given based on growth, McRobbie said.

For a state that wants to see more college graduates, Indiana is making it difficult for students to complete their studies.

A 5.5 percent increase isn’t very large, but for some, every dollar counts, especially when students then have to pay for expensive — and in freshmen’s case, mandatory — dorms with an expensive meal plan and a ridiculous amount for textbooks.

Any price increase is also going to raise the number of students who can no longer afford to attend.

If Indiana lawmakers want to see more college graduates, the best thing they can do is to give more money directly to students.

State scholarships for students with good grades and low income will encourage more people to attend and graduate college.

Putting more financial burden on students is just going to make it more difficult for them to finish.

The entire economy is in the pits. The state doesn’t have enough money to move forward with all its projects or pay for everything it would like.

And along with other schools, IU is increasing tuition past the recommended amount.
Although, if the state isn’t giving students any financial help, it shouldn’t complain about low graduation rates.

IU desperately needs money for everything: building upkeep, staff salaries, student scholarships, new projects and more.

And though it’s a shame to see programs like the School of Continuing Studies close, the school should take responsibility for keeping student costs as low as possible.

­— hanns@indiana.edu