If incoming freshmen back in fall 2007 knew that tuition would increase by more than $4,000 once they became seniors, it is likely some would have thought twice before taking the Leo plunge.
Granted, if they also knew that the Cal State system would be devastated by financial woes, La Verne would probably have still been their best choice.
Regardless, the fact is that now tuition will cost $1,550 more than last year for the 2010-2011 academic school year and we are not exactly sure if this dramatic increase is warranted.
Tuition has increased by the thousands in the last several years. During the 2007-2008 school year tuition was $25,590. That was then increased by $1,320 for the 2008-2009 school year to $26,910. Following that was another increase of $1,340 for the 2009-2010 school year, bringing the grand total to $28,250.
A year later, tuition has now reached $29,800, sparking more questions than answers by parents and students. It is not that we didn’t expect these increases because it costs money for the school to expand (Campus Center) and to give staff raises (classified and administrative staff proposed salary increases).
But a $1,550 increase seems a bit harsh, especially since freshman enrollment is at a record high and the University has produced a substantial surplus.
Tuition at Azusa Pacific University increased from $26,950 to $28,000, an increase of $1,050, still $500 less of an increase than La Verne. Cal Poly Pomona increased from $4,551 to $5,047, only a $496 increase.
If most people are not seeing any increase in their income, much less an increase in the thousands, then the University should take that into consideration before making such a drastic increase. The cost of living is not exactly going down in Southern California and factoring an extra $1,550 into that cost is not an easy thing to do.
Many students choose La Verne for its ability to provide attractive financial aid packages, which means finance is a big issue for the student body. We are proud of the University of La Verne for the quality of education offered and the resources available for students to succeed, but we do think it could give students a little bit of a break.
Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of the Campus Times Editorial Board.
