An Idaho Republican party platform proposing significant budget cuts to higher education in Idaho could result in full time, in-state tuition at Boise State University skyrocketing from $9,048 a year to $16,548, according to numbers crunched by Alicia Estey, Boise State’s chief financial and operating officer, quoted in an Idaho Ed News article by Kevin Richert.
Anticipating a 30% decline in enrollment as a result of the increase, tuition could increase even more to $22,745 a year.
The Arbiter set out to find student opinions on the possibility of enrollment being roughly doubled. In an effort to eliminate political bias in responses, The Arbiter asked random students point-blank what they would do if tuition doubled.
“I wouldn’t be able to afford it,” said freshman Layne Van Dyk.
“I have a lot of scholarships right now, so it’s not so bad. But next year I’m living off campus because it’ll be cheaper to be off campus than it would be on campus, which is a little crazy. But if tuition doubled, I fear I’d be screwed,” said Van Dyk.
Van Dyk said her options are limited because her major, Radiology, isn’t offered at many colleges in Idaho.
“I don’t think my scholarships would cover it. I’d probably have to take a student loan, as of right now if I work every single week in the summer, it just covers me not [having] to take student loans, and if it doubled — that would definitely make my life a lot harder,” said freshman Keaton Swift.
“I’d have to apply for more scholarships and I’d have to work a lot more … I’m really trying to avoid taking out any loans,” said student Boston Holdaway, who pays for what isn’t covered by his scholarship, in cash.
Not every student The Arbiter spoke to was so concerned by the idea, though.
“I’d figure it out,” said Micah David, a pre-med student paying both out-of-pocket and receiving assistance from the military for his service in the Army National Guard.
“I think just because of my career path, I have to go through school … if I needed to I’d take out loans,” said David.
“I’d take out loans or join the military, that’s about it,” said Adam Burlo, a pre-med student paying out-of-pocket with assistance from a federal scholarship.
The Arbiter reached out to the university for comment, and spokesperson Stephany Galbraeith said the university tends not to explore what-ifs and possibilities, especially during the legislative session.
“Every year the university goes before the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) to present the Governor’s proposed budget for legislative consideration. We are currently in the middle of this process,” Galbraeith stated in an email.
In Boise State University President Marlene Tromp’s appearance before the JFAC in January, Tromp primarily faced questions revolving around legal bills in the Big City Coffee case and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Boise State University.
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If the GOP defunds BSU, will it hurt football recruiting? Hahaha