Succeeding in this world today requires a lot of common sense, an ability to adapt and to thrive in difficult situations, as well as an education. Let’s pay particular attention to that last word-“education”. The reality of the situation is that obtaining an education encompasses much more than academics but, in the world we live in today, it’s the academic side of being educated that matters the most. Many of us are told of the importance of academic excellence during our youth and that a university education is one of the finest achievements an adult can boast of. I agree with the idea that a university education is indeed important as I’ve met some of the most intelligent people I’m likely to ever know whilst studying here at UMass Boston but, when I look at the tuition students and their families pay at other four year schools I wonder at exactly what cost.

Forbes.com lists Sarah Lawrence College as America’s most expensive college with tuition and fees listed at $43,566 and room and board at $14,000, making its total annual cost $57,566. Impressive figures, figures that make one wonder how anybody can even afford that kind of fee without some sort of aid, figures that also make one realize just how lucky we here at UMB are. As of 2010 in-state tuition is listed at $10,611—not to bad considering what other students around the country are paying for their education! However, it has recently come to my attention that there could be a tuition fee hike could be on the cards for the 2011-2012 school year—just like there was in 2009. That increase was around $1500 and while I was unable to attain an exact figure for what the increase might be if there is one, I am told to expect at least half of the aforementioned figure.

So many of the students I have met during my three years at UMB share this one thing in common with me—they work. I honestly do not know anybody who doesn’t have at least one job and many of my colleagues at the Mass Media have at least two! I myself am one of those two-jobbers along with a few other editors, our production manager works with the university as a tutor while also putting in at least 40 hours a week with the paper. My point is that for many of us working one or two jobs is not a choice. This is not a complaint either—it is simply the reality of our lives. Many of UMB’s full-time students are parents seeking an education that will not only enrich their lives but will also aid them in providing for their children’s futures.

It is already hard enough trying to find a balance between working full-time like many of UMB’s students do already and increasing tuition, even if it’s only by a few hundred dollars WILL make things more difficult still. Why is the state not working harder to make life easier for the single parents, for the 18 year olds trying to pay rent, for the people who hold down multiple jobs pursuing a collegiate level education we have been told almost every day of our lives that we need in order to succeed? A college education is indeed a privilege but I don’t see what’s so bad about ensuring that it is also an affordable one.