Northern Kentucky University has a reputation for being cheap compared to other colleges and universities in the area. With the recent rises in tuition, some students are finding the reputation to be rumor; and the repercussions are devastating.

Over the past year tuition at NKU has increased by 16.7 percent.

Tuition for an in-state undergraduate is $2,184 this semester, an increase of more than $300 than tuition in the 2003 fall semester.

Many students are struggling to compensate for the increase.

Student loans help, and some students depend on this money for not only tuition but other expenses as well.

Jessica Kidd, a junior majoring in journalism and photography, said the tuition increase has cut into the extra money she previously used to pay other bills.

“Now I have to work more hours to cover other costs,” Kidd said. “It really cuts into my studying time.”

Emily Katt, a junior majoring in political science and speech communication, has also felt the strain of working more hours.

“I’m afraid my grades may fall because I’m spending more time at work,” Katt said. “It might not be such a strain if tuition was the only thing I had to pay for. When you add in all my other bills it really adds up.”

Some students depend on scholarships to take care of tuition cost. Even these students have felt a pinch on their wallet.

“Luckily, my scholarship covers most of it. But with the new higher cost, I was definitely surprised to see the cost on my bill,” said Oliver Meinerding, a senior graphic design major.

Casey Bussard, senior art history major, had a scholarship for her first four years, but now it has expired.

“It was a big shock,” Bussard said. “Tuition has doubled from when I started here.”

Meinerding is also worried about his scholarship expiring.

“I’m just not looking forward to next year,” he said.

Students have also had to ask for help from their parents. Bussard and Meinerding both said their parents have helped them out with the extra cost.

Other students haven’t been so lucky.

“My parents have co-signed for loans, but all the cost is mine,” Kidd said.