I, personally, am tired of watching my fellow students writing articles or letters to the editor complaining about tuition or fee increases, arguing that we are paying extra for an inferior product. They do not seem to comprehend why they should pay more, and so they victimize themselves and blame the school for this increase in payment. Well, of course Southeastern cannot offer us what it has before the budget cuts. Those who value higher education should be willing to pay more. If we students did not pay more for our education, then where else would the university obtain the funds it lacks?

Without an increase in tuition or student fees, the quality of education would dwindle even further, and Southeastern would also have to cut back on the amount of students they admitted into the university. I, of course, do not like having to pay more, but I deal with it rather than blaming the university. I am grateful to at least be able to continue attending Southeastern. The law of supply plainly shows that if a company or firm receives a lower price, it will be less willing and able to produce its product.

If Southeastern lowers the price of tuition and fees, that is less total revenue it will receive. And, of course, if the amount a potential student had to pay decreased, there would be an increase in the amount of individuals who demanded Southeastern’s higher education. Without room for extra students, Southeastern would have to deny admission to many more people.

How would you feel if you were willing and able to purchase your higher education, but you were denied, even though you qualified for it? Southeastern has already tried to cushion the increase of tuition asked of students by lowering its costs; teachers have been laid off and overall the university has had to downsize. Southeastern’s concern for the students has caused this decline in quality, so be grateful. I am willing to meet the university halfway by doing my part and paying the increase in tuition and fees without a fuss.

If there are people out there who still feel they are being served an injustice, they should go somewhere else. If a person values higher education, he or she will willingly pay up to what that education is worth in his/her own eyes. If you are still attending Southeastern, you obviously valued the higher education it offered enough to pay the price the university requested in return. There is no arguing over the price now. At least you were able to be admitted to Southeastern, and at least you did not have to pay even more.

If you think the higher education Southeastern offers is worth less or you believe you cannot afford it, go to another college or university that charges what you think is reasonable. Do not complain about it and make yourself out to be the victim.