Dear Oakland University,
I feel I have a responsibility to be honest with you. We have been well acquainted for over two years now, and I think it's well within my rights to have an opinion about the things you do and the decisions you make. I wish no disrespect but after reading about your tuition increase of 3.95 percent on top of the hike that happened last year, a large 8.48 percent ,I am having a difficult time not voicing my opposition.
An impossible mountain that I have to climb just became a little more grueling.
I didn't choose you as a school because you're the most highly qualified. I haven't been attending classes on your campus because you're close to where I live or because you're easy to get to. You weren't the only, or best, school that I received an acceptance letter from.
So why is it that suddenly, you're growing so arrogant?
I chose you because I am a broke college student, and you were the best deal around.
In 2008, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. In 2009, my father lost a business that he had for over 20 years when the recession hit hard. My parents are hard working people, but college was always an expense that would be difficult to afford.
I chose Oakland University because I felt it was the best use of our fiances.
I graduated from Oakland Community College with Honors, and I have always been a dedicated student. Oakland University, my parents agreed, was the best bang for our buck. There was the O2O deal and the fact that OU used to have some of the most reasonably priced University education on this side of the state.
I believe there are a lot of students that felt this way, and Oakland University was a place students could find solace. Oakland University was a good school, yes, but it was also a good investment. You weren't wasting your money, and no one was stealing from you just because they could. Students enjoyed the fact that you were practical and affordable.
Now, while I drive the hour long, traffic filled, clustered road out to school, I will try not to fret about every dime that I am spending on gas to reach my classes. A lot of that gas, I also have to admit, is spent searching for an appropriate place to park. I will try not to worry about spending $4 on a cup of over priced coffee on your campus while I read about the $150K Florida trip that Oakland University Advisers took. I will try, but I cannot promise it won't be on my mind.
The cost of attendance at OU keeps rising and the level of admiration I have for OU is degenerating.
Hopefully you will take a moment to listen to the voices of your students and your critics. There are many who are struggling to afford being a part of your school. There are many of us speaking out.
I want to love the school that I attend, but lately, you're making things difficult.
The article that prompted me to write this letter is titled Oakland University is Pressing Its Luck
