Over the past five years, Quincy University has observed significant tuition increases. This has sparked growing concerns among students and families about affordability.

Tuition and fees for the 2024 academic year stand at $31,160, reflecting an 8.9% rise from the earlier year and a total increase of approximately 34.5% over the last decade.

“The tuition increase is putting my family and I in an unfavorable position because this means that not only is tuition going up, but I would have to pay more in my local currency Uganda Shillings because of the exchange rates,” Jordan Settumba said.

The rising costs are part of a broader trend in private higher education. Inflation and operational expenses drive tuition hikes.

The university works to keep academic quality and campus improvements. But these increases have left many students questioning their ability to manage the financial burden.

Challenges for Student-Athletes

The financial strain is particularly acute for student-athletes, many of whom depend on scholarships to offset the cost of attendance. Quincy University allocates athletic scholarships according to NCAA guidelines, but these funds often prefer high-performing athletes in revenue-generating sports.

Many student-athletes are growing increasingly concerned about the financial impact of rising tuition fees. Some hope their coaches won’t pass these extra costs onto their scholarships. Others fear they’ll be left to shoulder the burden themselves.

“My swim coach did help me the previous semester by increasing the amount of my scholarship to accommodate for the increase in tuition. I’d hope he would do the same for the upcoming academic year,” Settumba said. “Balancing academics, athletics, and finances is a constant challenge.”

It’s important to note that the demands of student-athletes’ sports leave them with limited opportunities for part-time work. Additionally, rising tuition costs make it more difficult for universities to attract top talent, especially from lower-income backgrounds.

“The rise of tuition is affecting me as a student because I am concerned and wondering if I will be able to continue to afford going to Quincy University to continue my education,” Jordan Lathan said.

Impacts of Rising Costs

Many families, who often don’t qualify for significant financial aid, face growing challenges. 91% of students get some form of assistance. Yet, the gap between financial aid packages and the total cost of attendance continues to widen. Most students get some help. Financial aid packages are not increasing at the same pace as the total cost of attendance.

“The rise of tuition is hard on parents you sign into school planning. It will be consistent over the four years just to be getting surprised with higher prices. Most parents have multiple kids to think about and put their family in binds. If you sign into a school for four years it should remain the same,” Melanie Torres said.

Students and advocates urge the university to explore solutions. These solutions include scholarship expansion and a tuition freeze. Implementing financial literacy programs can also help reduce financial stress on students and families.

Institutional Response

Quincy University is addressing financial challenges by fundraising to increase scholarship availability. Nonetheless, it is grappling with increasing pressure to balance affordability with operational needs and academic standards.

Quincy University’s experience highlights the need for systemic solutions. These solutions should keep access and affordability for all students. It’s crucial to balance academic and athletic demands.