Student loan debt is a major problem in America. 

According to statistics by the Pew Research Center, in July 2017, nationwide student debt climbed above $1.3 trillion. With the average bachelor’s degree holder owing about $25,000, these loans have the potential to haunt those people for years.

Because of this, it is more important now than ever before for universities to work toward providing an affordable education for their students. However, a number of state universities have recently announced they will be raising their tuition by 4 percent on average at the beginning of the next school year, according to coverage by the Associated Press.

While four percent may not seem like a lot of money, for a student already struggling to pay for their education, every dollar counts.

Dr. Adam Breerwood, president of Pearl River Community College, said despite tuition increases amongst state universities, PRCC will not be raising its tuition next year. Even though funding is sparse, Breerwood said the college is working hard to cut expenses and find ways to continue to provide a high quality education at a low cost. To this end, Breerwood said PRCC will be cutting back in several of its underperforming programs and will eliminate several positions before the next school year.

Pew Research Center statistics state that more than one third of all adults below the age of 30 is still paying for student loans.

In addition, “about one-in-five employed adults ages 25 to 39 with at least a bachelor’s degree and outstanding student loans (21 percent) have more than one job,” the statistics state.

Having the burdon of student loans makes it difficult for young adults to provide for themselves – despite having a higher education. To ensure the next generation of students can attain a better education without worrying about drowning in debt, universities and colleges such as PRCC should continue to look into ways to keep tuition rates low.