Up Goes Tuition as Down Goes The Dollar — Tuition increases by 4.68% for 2012-2013 year to meet rising costs

Before spring break, students were notified that the cost to attend Albion College would increase by 4.68% next year.

According to the letter, signed by President Donna Randall, students can expect the following costs:
Tuition will cost $33,600
Board will total $4,950
Rooms will be $4,740
Student activity fees will cost $394
and there will be a $200 Wellness Fee

The total cost comes to $43,884.

“There is an increase in our costs,” said Mike Frandsen, vice president of Finance and Administration. “Energy costs are going up… employee health insurance costs are [also] a big piece of our costs and they continue to increase.”

Shanti Madhaven, Onsted first-year, thinks that current and prospective students are more likely to pay the higher tuition as long as it is not for unnecessary upgrades.

“If we could see that its going more towards the education than cosmetic stuff for the college, then I think that would make a lot more people not worry about paying so much,” Madhaven said.

Although the letter mentions new renovations to Sprankle-Sprandel Stadium and the Stockwell Memorial Library, these costs were funded largely by gifts.

Still, students like Madhaven know that every penny counts during this time of economic hardship.

“I guess I agree with [the increase], but it’s really hard for students to pay that much,” Madhaven said. “I wouldn’t be going here if it weren’t for scholarships.”

The college will award over $25 million in merit and need-based scholarships next year. Frandsen understands that providing an affordable education is important.

“The first thing students should do is go to the financial aid office to investigate what financial help may be available to them,” Frandsen said. “The second thing I would say is go to human resources and talk to the student employment office. There are opportunities on campus to work and earn some money.”

Many students wonder what this increase in tuition means for Albion College enrollment in the coming years.

“I don’t want to seem callus in any way or insensitive to any individual’s situation, but I don’t believe the increase will impact enrollment broadly,” Frandsen said.

Photo provided by Wikimedia Commons.