Why is college so damn expensive?

I never thought I would hear myself saying this, but “Can I go back to high school? Or even Kindergarten?” Life was so smooth and great then. I didn’t have to deal with all these money problems; I had my parents to worry about all of that. My entire life I’ve been waiting for the moment when I finally get to go to college, and now that I’m here, I want to leave!

It’s not that I’m homesick or anything, but the whole process is so stressful. You have to make sure your financial aid is in check. You have to pay for parking decals, books, and your own groceries. Then, for the people who aren’t receiving financial aid or scholarships, you have to worry about paying your tuition, room and board, and most likely even loans.

Maybe all the back and forth work that you go through with financial aid is meant to be a lesson. Maybe it’s suppose to show us how the real world works, and prepare us for it. That’s cool and all, but a Public Speaking book being nearly $300 is not.

Why is education so damn expensive?

I have upperclassmen who tell me that we probably won’t even use half of these books. If that’s the case, then please explain to me why am I struggling trying to buy them?

I literally had to google the question myself to see if I could understand why college and books are so expensive. I, of course, was told the obvious which is that books bring money to college bookstores, and because professors choose books with specific or newer editions. It’s crazy because when I was searching online to see if I could find a cheaper English book, the 9th edition was like $60, while the 10th edition was around $200. That difference in numbers is ridiculous, and I’m not here for it. I couldn’t really find a square answer on why tuition is so much but it is most likely because it pays the salaries of our professors, and it funds the school. Which is a given, but still it should not be as much as it is.

I will never agree with the price of college because it’s just not negotiable. College is a great place for experience, and I think everyone should get to experience this. However, the way the cost is set up, I just don’t see it happening for a lot of people. There needs to be a change, and it needs to happen soon.