College affordability continues to be a growing concern across higher education, with national data showing that the average cost of attending a four year private university in the United States exceeds tens of thousands of dollars per year when tuition, housing, transportation and personal expenses are combined. Even beyond tuition, everyday costs such as commuting, food and course materials have increasingly become part of the financial burden students navigate while enrolled in school.
At Mercy University, students say these rising costs are shaping how they plan their semesters, manage their time and balance work with academics.
One of the most immediate expenses for commuting students is transportation.
Nationally, transportation costs have risen alongside inflation and fluctuating fuel and transit prices, making travel a significant part of students’ monthly budgets, especially for those who rely on trains or public transportation.
For Haoutatoyo G., a freshman, commuting is one of the most noticeable financial pressures.
“The train,” Haoutatoyo said, when asked what college expense affects her the most.
She explained that financial planning has become a necessary part of her academic life, especially as she prepares for future semesters and balances work responsibilities with classes.
“You have to start thinking about it,” she said. “If I have a job, I have to start putting money away.”
She also spoke about the pressure of tuition costs and trying to understand how much classes may cost from semester to semester.
“I was going to take classes, but I thought it was going to be $2,000 for two classes,” she said. “Then I saw $5,000. I said, ‘Girl, no thank you!”
In addition to transportation and tuition concerns, students also pointed to the rising cost of groceries and daily living expenses as another source of stress.
According to recent inflation data, grocery prices across the United States have remained noticeably higher than pre-pandemic levels, increasing monthly expenses for many college students who already balance school, work, and commuting costs.
For Adriani Rosado, a junior, nutrition has become one of the most consistent expenses throughout the semester.
“Honestly, it would be food,” Rosado said.
She explained that while financial pressure has not dramatically affected her academic experience, budgeting still plays a role in how she structures her schedule and spending habits.
“I usually spend around $15 to $20 dollars each time I’m on campus,” she said. “I’m here about three times a week.”
Rosado added that she believes some campus resources have helped students manage financial difficulties.
“There’s actually a lot of resources on campus,” she said. “The Maverick Market was a big help.”
Not all students, however, experience financial stress in the same way. While some students say they have managed rising expenses through budgeting and scheduling, others say the financial pressure directly affects their ability to focus on school.
For Jacqueline Santos, a sophomore, balancing academics with work responsibilities has become one of the more difficult parts of college life.
“Yes, it does,” Santos said when asked whether financial pressure affects her school experience. “I have to work a lot, and it’s very demanding.”
She said rising costs involving groceries, transportation, and other everyday expenses have added stress throughout the semester.
“Everything is going up,” Santos said.
When asked whether colleges provide enough financial support for students, Santos said she believes more assistance is needed.
“I don’t think so,” she said. “I feel like they can help more financially to support students.”
Haoutatoyo G. also expressed mixed feelings about financial support systems available to students. While she acknowledged that some assistance is available, she said maintaining scholarships or aid can sometimes be difficult, depending on academic performance and classroom experiences.
“You have to be a full-time student,” she said. “And your GPA has to be high.”
She also noted that classroom experiences can influence both academic success and financial stability.
When asked whether colleges provide enough financial support for students, Santos said she believes more assistance is needed.
“I don’t think so,” she said. “I feel like they can help more financially to support students.”
Haoutatoyo G. also expressed mixed feelings about financial support systems available to students. While she acknowledged that some assistance is available, she said maintaining scholarships or aid can sometimes be difficult, depending on academic performance and classroom experiences.
“You have to be a full-time student,” she said. “And your GPA has to be high.”
She also noted that classroom experiences can influence both academic success and financial stability.
“Sometimes it’s not just about the student,” she said.
Across campus, students are experiencing the impact of rising college costs in different ways, whether through transportation expenses, food spending or balancing demanding work schedules alongside coursework. While financial aid and campus support programs provide some relief, students say the broader cost of college life continues to shape how they navigate each semester.
As inflation and living expenses remain elevated nationwide, many students say managing the financial side of college has become just as important as managing academics themselves.
