Discussing the possibility of rising tuition and residence costs is a surefire way to divide a group of students. Much like political discussions, facts of the matter are often lost in a tide of moral furor: in this case, affordability for international students and housing availability fall to the wayside and “poor versus rich” becomes the subject of the debate.

As any student should, I take interest in the issue and try to keep up to date on all the latest developments. Recently, for example, UBC released a statement explaining their reasoning for raising international tuition. Unlike the housing price rises, which were aimed at accommodating more undergraduate students, the 10% hike in international tuition was billed as “a way to level the playing field with U of T and McGill”.

Whilst other students read that line in outrage, I was sold on the concept immediately. UBC is a world-class university and it is marketing itself as such. However, to do so effectively, it must have world-class resources: top-notch research facilities, accomplished professors, and well-rounded portfolio of excellence. This, unfortunately, costs money; but I, for one, will gladly pay 20% more for ability to live on campus.

Why? Well, to put it simply, I had the choice between the United States and Canada for my post-secondary education. Not only was UBC more affordable than comparatively ranked US schools, but also sported a stronger reputation than most Ivy Leagues. For me, preserving this reputation is of paramount importance to UBC and to everyone attending the school. Therefore, instead of viewing higher fees as a sunk cost, I view them as a savvy investment in my future.

Source: http://ubyssey.ca/news/residence-costs-increase-20-per-cent-2015-281/

Source: http://ubyssey.ca/blog/ubc-drops-rankings-392/