The decision to revert APU’s fall 2020 semester back to remote learning necessitates a reduction of tuition costs to reflect the quality of learning and the circumstances of the students affected.

Online classes without any extracurriculars are not worth the same as a semester on campus. We will not be able to learn in the ideal setting that an in-person classroom provides. Any “virtual” programs, services, clubs, and activities pale in comparison to the real experience. 

Additionally, many students were planning on working at APU in the fall in order to pay for tuition. Finding an alternate job in the current economic situation is not a viable option for many of us. 

Since the administration expects us to adjust our way of learning and living for the entire semester, the students justifiably can expect the administration to adjust tuition accordingly. 

There are several factors that would seem to facilitate this discount for all students at APU:

1. President Ferguson mentioned in his latest email that $9 million had been raised for creating a COVID-19 testing center. Since we will not be returning in the fall, this investment could be repurposed to cover the cost of a tuition discount. Additional funds could be raised for this purpose.
2. APU’s facilities will be used minimally at most, reducing the cost of utilities.
3. APU will save money on extracurriculars, chapels, programs, etc.
4. APU will likely reduce spending on employment (for students, and likely for some faculty and staff as well).

The cost of tuition for the average online private college is less than half the average tuition for attending a private university in person. While it may not be feasible to reduce tuition by 50% or more, it would be unjust and inconsiderate for the administration of Azusa Pacific University to refuse to significantly reduce tuition for the fall semester.