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The hidden cost of school
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| H&N photo by Andrew Mariman Alissa Jenkins, a senior in biology, measures out alcohol at the Oregon Center for Health Professions building Friday. |
As higher education loses funding, students pay with higher fees
By STEVE KADEL
H&N Staff Writer
Oregon Institute of Technology student Janice Halka pays a hefty tuition to attend the state’s premier technical school.
At 12 credit hours and above, it amounts to $1,260 per term for Oregon residents. But that’s not the end of the bill.
Halka also forks over $430 each term for fees.
As state funding for higher education decreased, fees increased.
Frustrated with the hidden costs of education, students across Oregon have banded together in an attempt to revamp the system.
Part of the problem, students say, is they apply and receive financial aid based on tuition costs, and the fees aren’t included. The movement supported on state campuses would roll all the costs into one tuition figure that financial aid packages would cover.
Schools still could charge more for cxertain costly disciplines, such as allied health courses.
Halka, vice president for OIT’s student government, believes it’s a good idea.
“It gives students a better way to be prepared to finance their education,” she said.
Jeannie Steckley, director of OIT’s business affairs office, says it makes sense, but cautions that change may take some time.
“I think it’s a good move,” she said, “but it won’t happen this year. We’re a big system and things move slowly.”
At 12 credit hours and above, it amounts to $1,260 per term for Oregon residents. But that’s not the end of the bill.
Halka also forks over $430 each term for fees.
As state funding for higher education decreased, fees increased.
Frustrated with the hidden costs of education, students across Oregon have banded together in an attempt to revamp the system.
Part of the problem, students say, is they apply and receive financial aid based on tuition costs, and the fees aren’t included. The movement supported on state campuses would roll all the costs into one tuition figure that financial aid packages would cover.
Schools still could charge more for cxertain costly disciplines, such as allied health courses.
Halka, vice president for OIT’s student government, believes it’s a good idea.
“It gives students a better way to be prepared to finance their education,” she said.
Jeannie Steckley, director of OIT’s business affairs office, says it makes sense, but cautions that change may take some time.
“I think it’s a good move,” she said, “but it won’t happen this year. We’re a big system and things move slowly.”
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