Mississippi's public colleges have again balanced their budgets on students by while increasing salaries and positions for faculty. Adding more and more cost to a public education is no doubt robbing many of an education they are capable of mentally, but unable to afford.
An example of the ridiculous raises originally requested is the University of Southern Mississippi's President Shelby Thames asking for a 12% tuition hike. 12 percent!
The College Board voted for a 7% percent increase, but that still adds up to about $300 per year which is the same as some college students make in two weeks. It really adds to the burden.
The College Board alone cannot be blamed though. The total dollars the state puts toward higher education per student has dropped from a high of $6,321 in 2000 to $5,103 in fiscal year 2005. That makes for a hole of $1,218 that must be filled.
It is time for this state to realize that education is not it first priority, but a bare necessity and find the resources necessary to deliver the goods without leaving its potential students out to dry.
Our college system is a mess. I have heard of young people getting an undergraduate degree with student loans of $50,000.-$60,000. here at Mississippi public universities!
ReplyDeleteIt is really crazy. I'm blessed to have had family think out help with paying in advance and scholarships. It is only going up each year.
ReplyDelete