BOSTON — Suffolk University recently increased its tuition and dorm rates in order to compete with other Boston institutions. Students were notified on Feb. 14, 2008 via e-mail by the university’s president David J. Sargent. The increase will be instituted for the 2008-2009 school year.
Undergraduate students will pay $25,850 a year due to the 7% increase in tuition, according to an e-mail sent out by Sargent, Suffolk’s president. Law students’ tuition also inflated from the 7% increase in tuition. Students who attend the law school during the day will be charged $38,070, and night students will be charged $28,552.
The 7% increase has affected the student community by charging them more to attend classes. “I think it’s ridiculous, because as a private institution, we’re already paying so much,” said Nicole Grandinetti, a sophomore living at Miller Hall. “The tuition is constantly being raised, but the improvements to the University are slim,” explains Grandinetti.
With students being charged more to attend the school, some find it hard to justify such an increase. “I understand the need to remain competitive with other schools, but as far as the quality of life goes at Suffolk, we’re slacking,” expresses sophomore, Ali Fenton.
However, the increase does not just affect tuition rates. In 2006, Business Week rated Suffolk University as having the second-highest priced dorms in the nation. University of California at Berkeley was the only school that had more expensive housing.
In 2008, the increase will add to Suffolk’s high price. “They are really nice to look at, but are really unfriendly once inside,” believes Kendell Schuler, a freshmen living at Miller Hall. However, the dorms can be justified according to Grandinetti. “Between our three dorms, we’re living either on or near Beacon Hill, and it’s impossible for us to be paying less.”
A single at 150 Tremont, or Miller Hall is now $13,130 and a double is now $11,630. For a quad at Tremont and Miller, the price is $11,130. For the new dorms located on 10 West, a single is $13,130, a double is $11,630, and apartments range between $12,130 and $13,130.
An increase in tuition strongly affects students who are paying back loans. Now they will owe more to a student loan program, which sometimes include interest. “It would be reasonable to expect an average college inflation rate of 7-8% per year for the next ten years,” according to www.FinAid.org.
Therefore, the 7% increase occurring at Suffolk is not widely different from increases occurring across the nation. “We have determined that these rates are necessary to remain competitive and continue our mission of academic excellence,” explained Sargent, in an e-mail to students.
Tuition inflation has affected some students who believe the quality of their education has not improved. The increase may keep up the appearance of the dormitories, but does not have these students’ best interests in mind. “Is it more important to have appealing dorms, or higher academic statistics?” reflects Fenton.