Tuition will increase 4.5 percent next year, which comes as little surprise. The good news is that GW plans to put the money toward improving academics and augmenting financial aid.

While the tuition increase might appear high, it is the lowest for the University in more than a decade, and it is on pace with comparable colleges.

Many in the GW community believe the University doesn’t treat its students as a top priority and that high-priced tuition is a reflection of this attitude. A recent poll – the Student Budgetary Priority Survey – found that nearly 71 percent of GW students were dissatisfied with their education, taking into account the University’s expensive price tag. Many students complained about the poor quality of academics and the exorbitant cost of attending GW.

But the University seems to be responding to students’ concerns in its budget for the upcoming year. University President Stephen Joel Trachtenberg announced that the bulk of the money will go to raises in salaries for faculty and staff. Also in the new budget, financial aid will be allocated an additional $7 million, which should help meet students’ financial needs.

Residence hall charges will also increase, a perplexing move considering that the University recently decided to remove housekeeping from upperclassman residence halls. Housekeeping is a valuable service. It would logically follow that cutting it would result in a drop in room charges. As of yet, GW has given no reason for the increase in room charges.

In its new budget, the University has earmarked money for issues that directly affect students – academics and financial aid. For the tuition increase to be justifiable, GW must follow through on these stated priorities.

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