Alex Veeneman, Asst. Opinons Editor
Pictured above: Nursing major, Jasmine Hester, accounting major, Brittany Granko and biology major Symone McCoy take part in the resources that higher education offers.
A study by the Pew Research Center has indicated that 57 percent of Americans are dissatisfied with the country’s higher education system, citing the value of money spent by students and parents, with 22 percent of the public agreeing that college is affordable, causing concern in the sustainability of the system.
“This is a serious problem if we are to continue the promise of public education in America,” said Robert Roseth, a spokesperson for the University of Washington in Seattle, whose tuition rates increased by 20 percent, the largest increase in the school’s history. “The vast majority of students in this country receive their degrees at public institutions, and the current trend certainly threatens that achievement.”
Because of the significant increase in tuition in many of the nation’s colleges and universities, the U.S. Department of Education created College Affordability and Transparency Lists under the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008. These lists are intended for students and parents to understand the costs of college, track increases and decreases in tuition costs, and note high cost points and low cost points at private and public institutions. These lists are available on the Department’s website.
The United States, however, is not the only one debating the issue of higher education.
The Association of Universities and Colleges in Canada has also expressed concern, specifically on the quality of higher education in the country, albeit record enrollments in universities and increased support from the country’s federal and provincial governments, according to a report released Sept. 14. The report says that not enough attention is being conveyed to ensure a quality higher education.
“Improving the undergraduate education experience is a priority for university leaders across Canada,” said Melanie Béchard, a spokesperson for the Association, adding that the report “Great Beginnings” and the associated workshop held in March in Halifax, Nova Scotia, were commissioned because of the importance of higher education to Canadian students. “Our universities are committed to providing undergraduates with the best globally engaged and research-enriched learning experience.”
Yet, 86 percent of graduates surveyed by Pew stated that it was a good investment, and the quality and rate of applications are rising at universities across the U.S. and Canada, “leading to a healthy competition for admission among students,” according to Béchard.
The rate and quality of applications is also showing not only at Canadian universities and UW but at Lewis, which gained for the first time in its history a record enrollment, expanding the freshman class to 750, the student population to 6,500 and creating a waiting list of 30.
A report in The Flyer dated Sept. 19 indicated the delay was simply because of the lateness of the students’ applications.
While there have been no reports of any tuition increases for next year, tuition increases would not be announced until the board of trustees meets in November, according to Lewis spokesperson Michelle Fregoso.
The big question now with higher education is if there will be a return of investment in the degree, according to Smret Smith, Lewis’ Director of Career Services.
“Parents are checking before they decide to spend a significant amount of money on the return,” Smith said, adding that some students share the same sentiments.
Yet, Smith says, Lewis has been doing competitively well compared to universities in Chicago.
“We have a unique culture,” Smith said. “It’s an inviting environment.”
Nevertheless, there is a wide consensus that higher education is the best investment you can make, especially during a recession.
In Canada, Béchard says, the value of the degree remains high and continues to grow.
“University graduates earn an average of $1.3 million more over their lifetime than someone with only a high school diploma,” Béchard said. “They experience shorter periods of unemployment, even during economic downturns, and have greater opportunities for advancement.”
“Higher education isn’t going away,” Smith adds. “It’s going to develop for future students. You can’t go cheap on your education.”
Photo provided by Lauren Barnes.
Alex Veeneman
Assistant Opinions Editor | Click here for Alex's Archives
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