The Gannon University Board of Trustees approved a 0% increase in tuition for 2021-2022 on Friday. This will be the first time within the last two decades this has happened.

Doug Oathout, chief of staff and director of marketing and communications, said this decision comes as an acknowledgment of the hardships students faced this past year with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These are uncommon times, and we recognize the special stresses COVID-19 has presented to our students and their families,” said Oathout. “Among the most potent effects of the pandemic has been the financial difficulties it has created for many families. Just as we have tried to ease the strain of the pandemic on campus through all of our safety protocols, we wanted to do something significant for our families. We believe by not increasing tuition or housing costs for the upcoming year we will provide some relief as we all continue to find a way forward with this disease.”

There will also be no increase in room and board expenses, although meal plan costs will increase by 3%. Compared to the 4% increase in tuition increase last year, this is a stark difference. There will also be no change in mandatory fees (university, SGA, APB and engagement fees).

Josh Staley, a junior political science major, said this 0% increase shows Gannon’s commitment to supporting its students and their families during unprecedented times.

“They know that so many students are going through tough times, both mentally and emotionally, and they are showing that they know they can make times easier for us,” Staley said. “As someone who will have student loan debt after I graduate, I feel a sense of dread knowing that this will affect me for years to come. Seeing that Gannon is helping by not increasing tuition for next semester allows me to know that they have my interest and other students’ interest at heart when they make this choice.”

This change will stand for the 2021 through 2022 fall semesters.

Jacob Landini, a junior secondary education major, said this is a wise decision on Gannon’s part.

“It is one less thing that the student body must worry about in these difficult times,” Landini said. “I know that there are a lot of students at Gannon that depend on longer summer breaks to make money for the whole year, and with us coming back so early they didn’t have enough time to do this. Personally, this benefits everyone here, me included.

“Sometimes it is difficult to know if your university cares, but actions like these speak louder than words.”

CHLOE FORBES

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