Fresno State tuition and fees surge despite disagreements amongst students

Students at Fresno State are noticing the increase in tuition and fees.

Students started paying a $149 annual fee for the Resnick Student Union in 2022. That fee will increase by 3% each year for the next 30 years. This year, students are paying $384.

The fee increase is to pay off the debt for the RSU, which was initially estimated at $3.7 million per year but changed to $2.6 million because of a lower interest rate, according to an article in The Collegian.

Students say they have to budget more because of the increase in tuition and fees. Fresno State psychology major Melanie Mora says she’s careful with her money.

“Part of my budgeting would include paying off my debit card, and I do have a personal loan for my car, and whatever is left over I put it in my savings,” said Mora.

As inflation continues to go up, the challenge then becomes how students can afford an education and not feel stressed, which is what ASI executive vice president Frederick Listsa worries about.

“If anything, we are seeing things get worse over time, but the cost is getting higher beating out inflation,” said Listsa.

While financial aid is available to help offset rising costs, many students still struggle to cover expenses.

When the CSU runs out of funds to cover the expense of an expensive building like the Resnick Student Union, it has to find other ways to pay for it.

“When the state isn’t able to fund the universities’ needs, the CSU has to make up the difference,” said Hazel Kelly, CSU Strategic Communications and Public Affairs Manager.

The increases in tuition and fees at Fresno State highlight the essential need for continuous discussion and proactive measures to guarantee that higher education remains accessible and affordable for every student.

Students can check out their financial aid options when registering for classes at the beginning of the semester.

In front of the Resnick Student Union discussing the increase in fees and tuition in the coming years for students.