Every few months I get an email from the college president at William and Mary concerning the governor’s new proposal for budget cuts. Every time, state funding for higher education takes a hit. This has gone on and on and on ever since I arrived in Williamsburg seven years ago. Undergraduate tuition is now twice what it was when I started as a freshman and it’s hard to believe since I’m still a student here (albeit two degrees later). There’s been a lot of talk of a “college bubble,” where droves of potential students don’t even bother to apply anywhere since the costs are too high and reasonable financial aid is scarce. Why is tuition outpacing inflation at such a ludicrous rate? What can be done to ensure the quality of the American higher education system while making it affordable to all who are qualified?
The rise in tuition for public higher education is coming from two directions: reduction in state funding and increases in administrative costs. Both government and individuals no longer see the benefit of higher education. At the government level, governors and legislators have put higher education on the back burner while focusing on nebulous agendas such as “job creation.” At the individual level, students no longer see education as a priority when attending college; it’s now about the “experience”, prompting administrative bloat to handle the demand for more university-run social programs.
The most obvious cause of tuition increases comes from the never ending cuts in state funding. With UVA and William and Mary receiving a respective 6 and 13% of total income from state sources, it’s hard to believe they are considered state schools. As state revenue sources have dried up, the state government has decided that higher education is no longer a priority. Emphasis in the fall elections are on the economy and the environment, not learning. Specific issues include vague terms such as “job creation” and “sustainability”, as well as more concrete problems like transportation and K-12 education. Higher education is hardly mentioned. It’s assumed that regardless of the winner this fall, state funding will continue to dwindle for “publicly funded” colleges, ensuring de facto privatization.
William and Mary placed fourth on the Forbes Best Public Colleges ranking for 2009. Contributing to this are its small class sizes, nearly all of which are taught by professors. Because of this, professors who are leaders in their fields are readily available to students of all levels. It is the small school size, relative intimacy between the faculty and students, and enthusiasm exhibited by students and professors alike that make William and Mary what it is. As funding is cut, education quality will suffer. Tenured professors will leave for higher paying jobs. Class sizes will increase and will be taught by less qualified instructors and grad students. Consequently, good students will look elsewhere for a solid education. Until the state government decides to make higher education a priority, the future of public colleges in Virginia is doomed.
Falling in lockstep with the state government, college officials and students alike are de-emphasizing the value of a college education, leading to further cost increases. While reduction in state funding is well known, it’s the administrative cost increases that are the most unnerving. It’s a real kick in the face to hear the budget situation at William and Mary described as “deadly serious” while administrative costs have increased by $5 million from last year. Next to several articles about the latest round of state funding cuts is a piece on yet another new administrative position: a full time employee in the Committee on Sustainability. I can’t see how “helping to streamline and facilitate the College’s ecological ambitions” provides any benefit to students in terms of attaining a degree and starting a meaningful career. It’s but another brick in the wall of tuition increases, and it’s all because even students and staff no longer consider education a priority.
In the past 20 years, colleges added more full time administrative jobs than teaching jobs, with positions in areas such as the aforementioned sustainability office, counseling, admissions staff, and social programs. College seems to be no longer about getting a degree and using newfound expertise to get a job or make an impact. Today, college is becoming some kind of fantasy camp, with students surrounded by an increasing number of staff whose job it is to keep them entertained. It’s no wonder that many recent graduates just wind up flipping burgers since the emphasis isn’t on learning anymore, but on some kind of poorly defined college experience. Regardless, more and more people are willing to pay for that four year fantasy camp despite the lack of increased education or income once they graduate. When students place their education first and experience later, perhaps tuition will become more affordable.
How can the brakes be applied to the out of control tuition increases? The answer lies in reprioritizing education above more nebulous concerns. The current governor and gubernatorial candidates have been yakking on and on about reviving the economy. What better way to do that then to provide more affordable higher education? More affordable college education will yield a larger pool of graduates ready to make significant contributions to the economy. The state government has direct control over this and the answer is clear: restore state funding. Until then, the Boards of Visitors at state schools can raise in-state tuition to near out-of-state levels, accounting for the tiny difference in state funding. Since many legislators want in-state students to get even more privileges, such a move will be quite the wake up call to the state government.
On the flip side, students must also reorganize their priorities. Without placing education first, students will simply fall back to meaningless jobs with low pay and low contribution to society. Students must realize that the flood of social programs, support staff, and spanking new facilities is meaningless compared to studying hard and earning a degree in a valuable field. In order to rein in costs, students must demand fewer frills while demanding more elements of a high quality education.
If the current trends run their course, the college bubble may become a reality, forcing a massive decline in the quality of higher education. Students will not pay out the nose for overloaded classes, terrible instructors, and few course options. Four years in such conditions will provide no benefit in terms of education or job skills. The best solution is for government and individuals alike to reprioritize higher education.
Recent Comments