When it comes to money, Boston University never seems to stray from controversy. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the recent tuition hike has sparked discussion among students and parents. The new price tag of $36,020 for the 2002-2003 academic year is no doubt a hefty one, but it is apparent the University is by no means letting these new expenses go to waste.
In terms of financial aid, BU is far from stingy. For the 2001-2002 academic year, BU awarded about $32 million in financial aid, based both on merit and need, to its qualifying students. On average, freshmen aid recipients received $17,500 in grants from federal, state and private funds — nearly half of tuition. In many cases, if a student shows the need for any kind of financial aid, the University is very willing to oblige.
Furthermore, Boston University prides itself on its high academic reputation. In a letter to parents notifying them of the tuition hike, Board of Trustees Chairman Richard DeWolfe reminded his readers the University offers strong professors and an effective academic atmosphere. These impressive standards are worth the money. The average SAT scores from incoming freshmen have gone up, as has the level of difficulty of admission to BU. If students found the level of education inconsistent with its price, 27,536 people would not have applied to the University to become of the Class of 2005.
It is also important to keep in mind that the national tuition increase in the past year was 5.2 percent. This is much higher than BU’s mere 4 percent. And the University has allotted the additional money to vital areas, including the Student Village plans. The money is being used wisely to benefit students; there are extra inflation costs the University must account for, as must all private universities.
At a second glance, the tuition hike is not so extreme. By acting fairly and using intelligence with its new income, BU can make a strong case for the increase. The money is a necessary element to continue the level of education for which Boston University is known.
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