The CUNY board of trustees approved tuition to increase by $300 at all senior colleges as part of CUNY’s budget request. The vote occurred Nov. 25.
CUNY, which is known for its affordability, continued a rational tuition plan that first began in 2011.
The rational plan increased, from 2011 to 2015, tuition by $300 every year. The state legislature, in 2011, allowed the board of trustees to increase tuition in conjunction with the plan.
By 2015, the total cost after five years came to $1,500. Tuition is currently $6,300 per year at senior colleges, which is more affordable State University of New York colleges at $6,470 per year.
The plan excludes community colleges as CUNY only preferred tuition at senior colleges to go up.
Elizabeth Rangel, a junior, said the tuition increase was unnecessary for students.
“CUNY is supposed to be about affordable college and the extra money per year will accumulate over time,” Rangel said.
The tuition increase was meant to support CUNY’s system as the state decreases its financial support. From 1987 to 2012, the share of revenue from the state to Queens College fell by 28.1 percent, according to an investigation by the Chronicle of Higher Education last year.
Joshua, a senior and international student, was worried that tuition increasing may hurt students already struggling.
“This can be a setback for most people,” he said. “When the tuition increases, it’s harder for people to pay for the tuition.”
Miguel Nelson, a sophomore, covers most of his tuition with financial aid, which thousands of other students do as well. He understood the increase may affect the ability of students to pay for their education.
“[It’s bad for] the young adult who is struggling to pay for their rent along with their tuition that might make a world of a difference.” Nelson said. “I feel sorry for those having to pay for the extra tuition.”
This increase is for different student services that are to be provided on campus and to provide for the higher education. The hike in tuition is also intended to increase graduation rates and to make class sizes smaller.
Joseph Tse, majoring in mathematics and English, questioned CUNY’s intentions after their announcement that tuition would increase.
“It’s not fair for the students that the tuition has to go up. The commitment for students to pay extra money will make it harder for them if they have to work to pay for their schooling,” Tse said. “You have to consider what they are doing with the money in the budget. While I am thankful for the services they do, I have to ask myself if they are really necessary and beneficial as a whole.”
