Where's the Money Going? The Tuition Tug-of-War in Higher Education

Winston-Salem, NC- Nothing beats an HBCU. These universities are full of love, culture, and good vibes—but attending can come with a price tag that’ll make your wallet cry. Recently, Harvard University made headlines when it announced it would offer free tuition to families earning under $200,000. Meanwhile, students at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) are side-eyeing their tuition bills, wondering if this Ivy League generosity might inspire a similar change on their campus.

Let’s be real: HBCUs aren’t cheap, and students are starting to wonder whether their tuition is going to academics or fueling an unlimited supply of Chick-fil-A on campus. Winston-Salem State provides a detailed breakdown of tuition and fees for each academic year on the university's website, listing rates for both in-state and out-of-state students, along with additional fees. Sections like Tuition, Athletics, Educational Technology, and Ram Card Tech are all clearly outlined. Yet, even with the breakdown available, many students still want to know exactly where their money is going.

One section that plays a significant role on campus is the student activity fee. According to Tyrone McNair Jr., the current SGA president for the 2024-2025 school year, this fee “goes towards the overall events held on campus, such as homecoming or student government events throughout the year.”

While students express concerns, McNair assures them that, as part of the SGA, he sits on the tuition and fees committee where they advocate for students to ensure tuition doesn’t increase. He emphasized that any additional resources should be funded in other ways.

On the institutional side, the University of North Carolina System (UNC System) defends its pricing, stating, "The UNC System degree is not only affordable, but also a good investment." Schools within this system are working to make education affordable, just as Harvard has done with its tuition initiative. The goal is to offer a college path that’s accessible to students from all income backgrounds, ultimately setting them up for career success. As students feel the burden of rising costs, Kapell urges them to do their research and understand where the money goes.

To get a better sense of student perspectives, we spoke with Marcellus Berry, a first-semester mass communications senior. He admitted, “I’m not aware of where my tuition money goes.” While many students assume their tuition funds the resources they use on campus, Berry points out that the meaning and impact of these resources often feel unclear. As an out-of-state student, Berry also notes he has to pay higher tuition compared to in-state students, a concern amplified by the recent news of Harvard’s tuition changes.

For some, options like FAFSA aren’t enough. Sanigh Richards, a senior psychology major, shared, “I received financial aid but did not qualify for any scholarships.” This common dilemma leads many students to take out loans, which they’ll need to pay off after graduation. For others, FAFSA remains a hurdle, and scholarship resources can be difficult to access.

Ultimately, it’s important for students to understand where their tuition money is going and how it contributes to their education. By staying informed and getting involved in decision-making processes on campus, students can ensure they’re maximizing their investment. While WSSU may not be making tuition free like Harvard, there are still ways the campus is trying to support students.

At the end of the day, tuition is more than just a fee—it’s an investment in your future. Make sure to get involved, explore all available resources, and actively participate in campus life to make the most of your education.