Dear Allegheny  College, 

When you raised tuition for the 2020-2021 academic year by 3%, students were upset; however, we all understood why it was raised, because at the time it was assumed that we would be on campus for the full school year. But, due to COVID-19, classes had to transition online, students had to leave campus without a chance to pack their bags, and the class of 2020 didn't get the graduation they deserved.

It's unfair to expect us to pay full tuition when our 20-21 academic year is going to be cut short. Students depend on the amenities and academic resources Allegheny College has to offer. Students also depend on student employment, whether to supplement their income, or to help them pay for their education. Other students depend on scholarships, some of which may be lost due to hybrid learning. Also, since unemployment is at an all-time high, students who could afford to pay full tuition may be unable to do so now because either they or their family now collects unemployment, and they use these funds for basic survival. So, we ask that you please lower tuition and have it reflect the decreased time on campus--both in and out of the classrooms--and the decreased use of amenities and academic resources that all students rely on throughout the school year. If we're not allowed to stay on campus for the full year, then we shouldn't be paying tuition for the full year.