Blinded by cash
Officials overlook flat-rate harms

Before TCU decided to institute flat-rate tuition, officials did a little research.

They commissioned a marketing firm to research what it was that attracted prospective students to the university. Those surveyed were asked to rank the factors which influenced their decision to come to TCU. They said the size of the student population was most important. Price was fourth on the list.

Although the response surprised some, it gave the administration the green light they were looking for to drastically change the way they charged for tuition.

After all, administrators believe we should have stopped charging by the hours years ago, citing that almost every private university with the exception of Baylor has been charging a flat rate “forever.”

Since all other private universities seem to have flat rate figured out, we should have researched what happened when their policies went into affect. Or at least discussed the challenges they faced. Granted, in some cases, other universities have had the policy so long there’s no one to consult, but shouldn’t we have tried. If we had done so, maybe those other universities would be applauding us now. Instead, they are laughing, wondering why we are having such a hard time figuring things out. The answer seems complicated, but it’s not.

Administrators were blinded by their survey and their desire to increase TCU’s prestige. They saw the benefits. They saw the dollar signs. But they didn’t see all the potential problems. Complaints about the new flat-rate tuition policy might be muted murmurs, now. But as the transition continues they will get louder. The administration has said the policy won’t impact returning students. But if incoming students abuse it when they register, it will not just impact the returning students, it will hurt them.

Next year’s freshman class won’t know to complain. It’s the only payment plan they’ll know. But coaches will complain when athletes are scheduling. Professors will complain when students drop out of classes after the first test. And incoming students will say we told you so —flat rate was a bad idea.

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