Since Ohio has lifted the tuition freeze in place for the last two years, universities are allowed to raise tuition by no more than 3.5 percent at main university campuses for the 2010-11 school year.
While other schools have announced an increase for the spring semester, Miami University will wait. Miami has proposed increasing tuition for summer 2010 by 3.5 percent. The editorial board of The Miami Student believes the raise is necessary to ensure the quality of education continues, but applauds the decision to hold off until the fall.
With Miami experiencing a $5 million deficit, it needs the funds that higher tuition rates will bring. While out-of-state students, because they do not pay Ohio taxes, should pay more, they should not have to bear the entire burden of Miami's struggling finances. While no one wants to pay more, simply put, the cost of education has gone up. It is an appropriate time to increase in-state tuition, and most other universities in Ohio are doing the same.
That being said, Miami deserves recognition for not raising tuition for the spring semester. Other schools, including Ohio University, are acting more quickly to take advantage of the freeze's lift.
While Miami could use the added financial resources an earlier increase would provide, it is doing the right thing by waiting. Still, as the university reaches its decision, it should keep those who will be affected informed. So even before the university makes its final decision official, it should reach out and inform students and parents.
By notifying people of the likely possibility they will be paying a higher tuition next year, Miami gives people time to get their affairs in order and budget accordingly. Miami has already demonstrated it will prioritize student interests by postponing the tuition hike, which wasn't required. It is important for the university to continue this commitment.
As students work to cope with the increased cost of their education, Miami should direct students to seek outside scholarships and help them in their search for such opportunities. Also, given that the state is suffering financial troubles of its own and has proven itself unreliable in delivering on promised aid, students should turn their attention to private organizations.
The economy affects both Miami and its students, and both must work to understand the difficult situation of the other. Miami needs the tuition increase, and students need aid to offset some of that increase.
