In-state and out-of-state tuition have always differed in cost, with out-of-state students paying around 3-5 times the amount of in-state students. This amount can become a ridiculously high amount when multiplying thousands of dollars by two to five more. 

I am currently an out-of-state student attending the illustrious North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. I love my school dearly, but the tuition difference between students is absurd, especially when you are not receiving financial aid. I pay three times the amount of in-state students. At first I was baffled as to why there was such a huge tuition difference, but after some research I understood that it was due to the taxes paid to the state. However, I strongly believe this inequality is outrageous, especially during this difficult time, where students were forced to move off campus and continue their education online. This philosophy is an extreme monopoly for out-of-state students. We should not be paying three times the amount of others just to go to school at home.

I have summer classes that are a requirement for my major. Before receiving the bill for my summer classes, I thought that I would be charged the same as all of the other students because we are now neither in-state nor out-of-state. We are online, however, I was incorrect. In-state students are paying approximately $1,700, while out-of-state are paying $6,200, regardless of the fact that I will be at home participating in distance learning online, just as those in-state students. I am being asked to still pay a ludicrous amount, although I will be at home receiving less of the academic experience I sought out to gain in the first place. If those who set the tuition price were understanding through this time, gaining my education would be substantially more reasonable and doable. 

There are many students in the same situation as I am. We are all facing different circumstance in our life that affect our financial abilities. I am only asking that our concerns are heard and changes are made. I understand that this crisis could not have been foreseen by anyone and everyone is doing their best to mediate the situation, but this monopoly needs serious attention. 

To those reading this, please sign my petition and help our voices be heard, for there is strength in numbers.