Pro:
The economy’s fragile state has affected families all over the country. Families have made sacrifices and begun to alter their budgets to adhere to this economic crisis. Along with the economy, the tuition has changed significantly, but why are families surprised?
This raise in tuition was inevitable, or at least expected. Our education is just as valuable as it has been in the past, but now we must pay a greater price. With the high demands our school has, this tuition increase is understandable.
How can people expect the tuition to remain the same when the economy is in the state it is in? JC is not immune to the economic crisis we are in. The tuition increase is not surprising given the fact that the economy is on a downward spiral. Although families would benefit from a decrease in the tuition, the question is at what price? The value of education is not only based on the education we receive, but the experiences that comes with it.
Technology has been introduced into the school in order to open the eyes of students to an entirely different world. As a college-preparatory school, JC is responsible for doing just that-preparing us for college.
The education we receive is well worth the cost of the tuition we are paying for it. JC prepares students for college through rigorous courses, service opportunities, and even its reputation. Different aspects of the school draw families here, an example being the innovative introduction of laptops.
The introduction of laptops into the school has begun to prepare students for a rising business that is vital to our futures. With a decrease in tuition, this opportunity to learn and use technology would be lost.
By establishing the knowledge students need for the technology for their futures, JC has provided students with opportunities they would not get at a public school. Even seniors, although they do not own laptops, have been presented with some knowledge they will need in college.
Sure the tuition may have been raised. But for a valuable product: a good education.
Con:
In a time when parents are losing jobs and the cost of living is rising, the idea that JC families will have to pay more for tuition is appalling. While I understand that the demands on the school are just as high as they have been in the past, I also recognize that the demand on each family is increasing as well.
As I understand it, the increase in tuition is to offset the potential loss of students next year with the declining economy. However, wouldn’t it be better to encourage students to stay at JC by keeping tuition the same or even lowering it? As other private schools in the Baltimore area raise their yearly costs, families will be looking for the best value in education.
We could easily be that school. While the risk would be great, the potential payoff is worth it. The cost of everyday products is on the rise. Salaries, for the most part, are on the decline.
Imagine how appealing it would be to struggling families looking to send their children to an affordable private school: JC, a rose among thorns, a school keeping the very best interest of its current and potential students in mind.
Besides, if the cost of tuition is lower, the amount of financial need that must be met for students to go here would be less. Parents would be able to pay more of the total cost without aid, ensuring that more money gets back to the school.
More money back to the school means more programs to offer, more teachers with higher pay and a more satisfied community.
We have been raising tuition, albeit gradually, for years. The rise has kept pace with the necessary raises in teacher pay and benefits to keep pace with Harford County Public Schools. Teachers’ pay is frozen for next year. They will not step up to the next pay grade. So, wouldn’t this be the best time to take a risk – a time when no one’s salary is in jeopardy because they have already been frozen?
Students will want to come to JC regardless of the cost, but refusing to raise tuition should encourage their parents to let them come here or allow them to afford to stay.