At a recent meeting with the Council of Trustees and the university president, one message was clear: students should expect to pay more.

For the 2026-2027 academic year, the recreation fee is set at $147 per semester, increasing to $162 the following year. Transportation and wellness fees are also rising, with transportation going from $88 to $95 and health and wellness from $183 to $198.

Even more concerning is the $265 “success fee,” which remains unchanged — yet unclear. Many students are left wondering what exactly this fee supports.

While the university has recently been transparent about past financial challenges, students should not be left to absorb the consequences of previous administrative decisions.

Beyond mandatory fees, housing and dining costs are also expected to rise steadily in the coming years, adding to the overall financial burden students already face. For many, even small increases have a significant impact when combined with tuition and everyday expenses.

As costs continue to rise, students are left with the same questions: Where is the money going? Why are costs increasing faster than visible improvements?

If students are being asked to invest more in our education, that investment should be reflected in their experience. Without clear benefits or transparency, these increases begin to feel less like necessary adjustments and more like rising costs without rising value.

Students should not have to pay more for the same experience, and they deserve to understand what exactly they are paying for.