Getting an education might be the most expensive thing most of us do - even our houses, cars and future lifestyles most likely won't leave us with the same levels of debt that these few years at Ball State will.
And for those not graduating this semester, look for it just to get worse if the recent cuts to student loans are put into effect.
Student Senate is currently researching ways to route students' book costs through their bursar accounts, which would make the mammoth price of college a little bit easier to manage. If the senate proceeds with this idea and writes legislation, it's possible that students could take care of their tuition, health center fees, technology fees and book costs all in one shot.
For those managing multiple credit cards or balancing fees between financial aid, parents' help and their own finances, putting all of these fees onto the same bill would simplify the process and make life a lot easier. Books are just as integral to the educational process as classes, health care and technology services, so to pay for all of these educational costs at once makes complete sense.
The university is concerned about channeling fees for a third party and about any added administrative costs or hassles - and that's not without merit. But what it comes down to is student needs.
Finding those extra few hundred dollars at the beginning of every semester can be a big hassle, not to mention can cause great distress for students who don't have the money. Routing book fees through the bursar's office would make it easier for financial aid or parents to cover the cost of books, so that students can work out their own payment plans - and focus the money in their pockets on things like food, rent or heat.
The university should consider the benefits students would get from this plan and research a way to fit it into the current bursar system.
If the concern is allowing preference to the Ball State Bookstore over TIS or CBX, then eliminate the difference: Allow all three bookstores to utilize the bursar's office accounts. Both the university and the Village could only benefit from increased cooperation.
The easier it is for students to spend money, the easier it'll be for these businesses to make money, and the easier it'll be for students to concentrate on their educations rather than their finances.
Students' need for this kind of assistance will only increase as college costs continue to rise.
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