Simpson College announced a 3.35 percent comprehensive increase to tuition for the next academic year. The dollar amount for this increase comes to $2,012.
Students received an email Nov. 6 from the Vice President for Business and Finance Bret Mills. The email explained the added cost, Simpson’s goals for the tuition amount and the quality of education students will receive with the cost.
“We strive to keep attendance costs as low as possible while balancing the growing expenses of providing excellence in education,” Mills said.
Additionally, Vice President for Enrollment Leigh Mlodzik, claimed these tuition increases are normal for many schools. In fact, Simpson’s $2,000 increase is less than many other Iowa institutions.
“Each year, the board of trustees sets tuition and fees for the next academic year,” Mlodzik said. “Recent increases at Simpson have been at or below the average increase of schools like us in Iowa.”
The board of trustees meets annually to set the cost of students’ education for the next school year. This makes the increase a regular occurrence for Simpson and many other institutions.
“Tuition increases are a common practice in higher education. Yearly increases help to offset yearly increases in expenses,” Mlodzik said.
While it is a normal occurrence, the $2,000 increase came as a shock to many students. However, sophomore Brody King said he understands this increase in tuition was likely necessary for the school.
“I think that times are changing, I think inflation definitely has something to do with it. I think it was probably the right decision for Simpson,” King said.
The additional tuition fees will allow Simpson to operate at a high level for its students.
“Revenue generated by tuition and fees helps to support the operating budget of the College,” Mlodzik said.
The board of trustees wants to ensure students are getting the high-quality education they are promised.
While the school finds the increase in tuition necessary, it can be hard to understand from the student body’s perspective. King said he recognised other students’ frustrations.
“I know a lot of students are not happy, but I think it is just kind of to get with the times. Even though it was the right decision for Simpson, not everybody’s going to be happy,” King said.
Although it may be hard for students to understand the additional tuition costs, the school will add costs every year to ensure it can continually operate at this high level.
