University funding is set for a change in 2013.
Instead of focusing only on enrolment-based funding, which is the current system, Arizona universities would get funding based upon their students performance, according to the Arizona Board of Regents.
But does this actually mean anything to students?
Performance-based funding could change the level of graduation requirements or the difficulty of classes, but the current system rewards allowing large numbers of students into the university.
It’s difficult to say what would benefit the students more, which should be the most important question. Especially since it’s the students that fund the university the most.
Tuition has increased more than $1,300 a semester since 2008, but scholarships have remained relatively constant. Fees have been added, living costs have increased, and incoming students who are Arizona residents will now have to pay over $10,000 a year (after living costs) for four years. An incoming freshman in 2008 was charged no more that $6,000 a year for tuition. That’s three years for $3,000.
Would a change in the university’s funding policy help students in any way? Does it add any tangible changes to their university experience? Probably not $3,000 worth.
Tuition increases were expected. They have been voted on and approved and made aware to the public. But these changes affect many people that are living from paycheck to paycheck as college students, and the true effects aren’t felt until the bills hit the bank account.
It’s difficult for a student to understand why he or she has to pay more for school each semester when everything remains the same except for the number of students in class.
A full student body can see and feel the changes of an expanding university, but the individual student is left to cover the cost.
The university funding policy may change, but many students are returning to school this semester with empty pockets and extra packages of Ramen Noodles.
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