One of the most divisive changes on campus this year is the change in tuition – namely, the new policy that books are included in tuition. For students outside of the STEM majors, the cost of books is generally far less than the tuition based fee making them feel that they are losing money rather than getting a bargain. For STEM students, renting through Chegg or an alternate book rental service usually gets them a better deal on books. After thinking it over and speaking with another student, I realized that there may be one situation in which this policy may benefit students. If a student receives financial aid, they may be able to get their books covered instead of paying out-of-pocket. Their aid also increases as their total cost increases, which means that they may get aid to pay for the books. To me the change is simply more money that students do not have – leading to a larger loan taken out each semester. From my experience, this is true – it is a larger cost than the books would have cost out-of-pocket. While the experience of getting the books was simplified (since I didn’t have to order them), there was also the complication of worrying that I was missing some books. I had to visit the bookstore three times the first week to see if I had all my books ready, and I didn’t know how to check my total book list since I didn’t have an order receipt. This was stressful for me, but it was good that I could simply visit the bookstore and not have to pay at the desk or show my receipt to get my books. I am torn between understanding why the policy was put in place, and feeling that I am spending more money where I didn’t before. General tuition also increased this year. With this additional cost, on top of the tuition increase, I felt overwhelmed. What do you think of this policy? Let us know on Twitter! And feel free to DM us with your perspective on this change – we want to reflect all students’ experiences.
Carrie King - Features Editor