Most students have come to expect an increase in tuition with each new academic year. Yet with the economy in such a ravaged state, Boston University prides itself on keeping costs down. But is it really?
While this year’s tuition increase is, indeed, the lowest percentage increase in tuition in 41 years, it is actually a bit more in dollars than the increase made last year, for this year’s 2009-2010 academic year.
BU will increase tuition by 3.7 percent for the 2010-2011 academic year, adding $1,404. The increase will bring the cost of tuition at the private university from $37,910 per year to $39,314.
Last year’s increase for the 2009-2010 academic year was 3.75 percent, making the increase actually $34 less than this year’s. But with this dollar increase behind a nominal percentage decrease, we can’t help but wonder: Is this really the best BU can do to make one of the nation’s most expensive school’s more affordable during the recession? Or is this “lowest increase in 41 years” just another marketing ploy to suck us, and prospective students, in?
Not to mention, this is solely the increase in tuition. Room and board rates are also rising up to 3.5 percent, a few hundred dollars per plan. So next year, education and basic room and board at BU will cost $51,574 in total. So while the decrease in percent increase is appreciated, it is hardly enough. What BU is advertising as a decrease in increase means nothing when tuition is actually up by a sum of money you would carry in your wallet.
Statistically, yes, BU has decreased their expected increase in tuition, but realistically? You’re actually out a new MacBook and an iPod.
This version corrects an earlier version which incorrectly stated that Boston University owns one-third of all Boston real estate.
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