Leto

Well, I just thought that since it is nearing the end of the first week of September, I would relay my experiences around my son going to university.

He started his first year of a 4 yr programme this week and I found out that his course selection happens to be the 2nd most expensive undergrad available. This I found out because my wife & I promised to cover his tuition for him so that he could focus on his other expenses. Our stance is that if our children have the marks, the desire & drive to attend university, then money should not be a reason not to go. I do expect them to contribute, and if they leave home to be in res, or student housing, then they need to make up the difference.

We do have RESP's (registered education savings plans where the gov't ponies up 20% of the initial savings contribution) saved for them, but why use that up if we have savings?

So son #1 approaches us last night and says that the balance of tuition is due on Friday. We already put down a $1000 deposit in July. So I ask if we pay by term, Fall then Winter?

No, it is all at once, or interest charges kick in. So how much more do we owe? I ask him.

$6,000. he says.

Fuck. I was expecting any normal university undergrad programme cost of mid 5K or something, but like I said before he chose Biomedical Engineering. The only more expensive undergrad at Ryerson U is Civil Engineering ( I think they have to buy some T-squares for that one!) by $20.

Can you guys relate to a $7,000 tuition fee? For engineering? It's not like the courses are anything exotic: Calculus, Algebra, Physics, Chemistry, Geography and intro to Engineering. If he took Biology (Arts & Science) his tuition would only be $5200. So what gives? The course load is almost the same.

Oh yes, and the books. $184 for a Calculus text. $195 for Chemistry. The rest have not yet been purchased.



Do I perceive a cash grab from the school? what are your TFP thoughts on this?

1) the course load for engineering is virtually identical as for biology, yet costs $1700 more.
2) text books for courses that rarely change (what is different in Calculus or Algebra or chemistry or Physics now, versus 20 years ago, not to mention 5 years ago) are re published in new versions forcing the student to pay out for them.
- When will text books be converted to HTML, and be available online?? for free?? I mean, isn't that what we pay tuition for?
3) extra student fees. I never did understand why they are over and above tuition. At least he can opt out of the $780 medical / dental coverage because I have it through work.



All I can say is that thankfully my work place provides a $2100 grant/yr and a summer student work programme ($21/hr) so that he can earn his keep for next year.