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Health & Fitness

How tuition affects college students

As high school students prepare for their new lives in college the amount of tuition is deterring parents and students alike from finding the perfect school.

Currently, tuition rates at the University of Maryland estimate from $4,580 to $27,288 depending if the student is a resident or non-resident, according to the admissions office.

The relationship between tuition prices and the value of education has always been clear, but still manages to play an important role in the decision.

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“I think the university is a brand like any other. I honestly think that we are paying for the facility not so much for the education that we are getting,” said Phylicia King,23, a former student who recently switched to attend Montgomery College. “I’m thankful I was accepted there, but it made more sense for me to switch schools considering my commute and the high tuition, when I can learn the same information for a lesser price.”

While not all students can cut their losses as easily, others are willing to pull through hoping that everything works out in the end.

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“It’s just one of those things that you have to deal with. I’ve taken winter classes and I think I’ve paid a ridiculous amount for it, but there isn’t much that I can do,” said Christelle Ngatchou,23, majoring in biology. “I just want to get all my classes in so I can graduate on time.” 

Despite current students having doubts about tuition prices, parents on the other hand are left with similar doubts. The amount of tuition that schools demand can either pull students into the institution or push them further away to attend surrounding schools with lower tuition rates.

“I’m somewhat bias in the sense that I want my daughter to attend the University of Maryland because that’s where I went to school, but right now we are looking at all of her possibilities,” said Janet Dorgan, mother of graduating senior at Seneca Valley High School. “The experience and the amount of tuition is definitely something that any parent in my situation would be looking into.”

Outlining similar concerns of other parents, Dorgan reaffirms the ongoing issue of whether or not universities are willing to invest more time on the decrease of tuition prices instead of providing superior education for their students. 

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