Saint Xavier University announced that it is increasing tuition by three percent beginning in the fall 2023 semester. This increase would amass to $1,040.
The announcement was made in an email sent to students on March 14 by Saint Xavier’s President Laurie M. Joyner, Ph.D.
“As always, we will make every effort to minimize the impact of these costs on our students by working to ensure continuing levels of institutional aid, the continued viability of MAP funding from the state and all other means of support,” Joyner stated in the announcement.
The MAP or Monetary Award Program funding addressed by Joyner, comes from the state of Illinois. These grants are available to Illinois residents who attend an approved college or university while also demonstrating great financial need.
To apply for this form of financial aid, you must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA.
For some students, the increase in college tuition still proves to be a stressor for many students who may not qualify for the need based grants especially in today’s economy.
Junior, Ellie Andersen, commented on the increase: “Students at this institution can barely afford the incredibly high tuition; any increase will only make things worse for those struggling financially.”
The University stated that the raise in tuition was determined to be a result of “inflationary pressures” such as the increased costs for goods and services especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I don’t believe the increase in tuition is necessary because every year it is becoming more and more unaffordable,” first-year student Claudia Valdivia stated.
Although students have spoken out negatively on the increase in tuition and have expressed concerns over the affordability, the University states that they “have intentionally minimized the pressure of a tuition increase over the last five years”.
The university continued by stating that “the shifts [in tuition] were not as high as the Consumer Price Index, which experienced an average annual increase of 4% in the past four years, including an 8% increase last year”.
The Consumer Price Index or CPI is a measure of the average change in prices over a period of time that is paid by urban consumers. This measurement can be used as an economic indicator and a means of adjusting the value of dollars.
The CPI is the most common measurement of inflation: the increase in the prices of goods and services purchased. With an 8% increase in the Consumer Price Index, the costs for goods and services have surged rendering the dollar to a new worth, ultimately harming the economy.
Since the announcement, the university has discussed their history of maintaining an affordable education through the pandemic by “offering scholarships to 100 percent of incoming full-time students for the 2022-2023 school year”.
“This school gives out financial aid like Oprah gives out cars,” third-year student David Leonard stated.
Financial Assistance will continue to include scholarships provided by the University, alum, and outside donors, and a $500 increase in Pell Grants in 2023 along with the projected increase for MAP grants equaling out to $1,300, if eligibility allows.
These sources of funding were briefly discussed in both the email and letter sent to students.
In the email informing students of the increase in tuition, Joyner continued, “We remain proud we are the most affordable Catholic university in Illinois and among the top three most affordable colleges and universities with the best return on investment in the state of Illinois.”
Even with the summary of the 2023-2024 expenses including room and board, provided in Joyner’s letter, students still posed their concerns.
First-year student, Emilia Hughes, also voiced her concerns over the tuition increase: “the email was very vague and gave little explanation as to how this would affect our scholarship money and payment plans.”
According to the University, student payment plans will not be affected, but students may contact the Financial Aid Department to ensure that their financial needs are met.
Despite the support from the Financial Aid Department, the tuition increase still affects students and for some students raises concern for the future costs.
“SXU is widely picked for its affordability, and due to the increase of tuition it may be made a less picked school,” first-year student Richard Nambo stated.