Struggling Father of Holy Cross Student Forced to Part with Fifth Estate to Cover College Fee Hike
The College of the Holy Cross, a prestigious institution in Worcester, Massachusetts, has announced a 5.6% increase in school tuition for the upcoming academic year, a decision that has sparked mixed reactions among students and their families.
For high-income families, the tuition hike translates to an additional out-of-pocket expense, potentially affecting their budgeting and financial planning for their children's college education. However, specific reactions or adjustments from these families are not detailed.
On the other hand, students receiving financial aid are likely to feel the impact more acutely. With tuition only covering about 71% of student costs at Holy Cross, many students rely on financial aid for the remaining costs. A tuition rise could lead to increased financial stress or uncertainty for these families in meeting the additional costs.
The institution attributes part of the increase to the costs associated with its Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) fund, which they label as the “driving force” behind the tuition hike. This suggests that some increased expenses are tied to emerging programs that may benefit all students by providing opportunities, but require additional funding.
Student sentiment, while not specific to Holy Cross, generally leans towards activism and calls for change in response to tuition hikes. This could imply that Holy Cross students, particularly those affected by the rise in costs, might express similar concerns and push for policy reconsideration.
One such student, Tevin Kaylor, testified about his family's dissatisfaction with the tuition increase. Kaylor, a student at Holy Cross, is concerned about his job prospects and ability to pay off the increased tuition. Despite his father being a wealthy individual with multiple mansions and charities, he expressed personal dissatisfaction with the tuition increase.
President Rogeau announced the tuition increase last month, also committing to covering tuition for students coming from families with annual incomes of less than $100,000. Despite this commitment, the tuition increase has come at the displeasure of many students and families.
Notably, Brendan Grudberg '28 is a proud HC NIL donor, indicating some students may support the initiatives that contribute to the tuition increase.
In conclusion, the tuition increase at Holy Cross imposes greater financial burdens on families with high incomes who must cover more costs directly, while families relying on financial aid face the challenge of meeting increased financial demands possibly beyond their aid packages. The institution frames part of the increase as necessary to fund new initiatives like the NIL fund, but this funding model can widen affordability gaps for some students. Student reaction trends suggest possible unrest or calls for policy reconsideration around tuition increases.
- Students at the College of the Holy Cross, like Tevin Kaylor, have expressed their concerns about the tuition increase, as they worry about their job prospects and ability to pay off the increased costs, despite their families' wealth.
- Education-and-self-development opportunities, such as the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) fund at Holy Cross, are driving some of the tuition increase, aiming to provide students with more opportunities, but they may also widen the affordability gap for some.
- As the tuition increase covers only about 71% of student costs at Holy Cross, students who rely on financial aid could experience increased financial stress or uncertainty in meeting the additional costs.
- The College of the Holy Cross's decision to increase tuition for the upcoming academic year has sparked mixed reactions among students and their families, with some favoring the new initiatives while others are displeased with the financial burden it imposes.
