Everyone thought 3.9 percent was bad, but now there is discussion that the state Board of Regents may raise tuition next year by 5 percent.

The expense of receiving a higher education has reached beyond the limits of students’ and families’ budgets. Most college students are faced with paying off high loans after they graduate.

In addition the majority of college students pay for their living expenses while attending school. Many do this without financial support from their parents.

The Regents should take this factor into consideration when trying to raise tuition higher than the inflation rate.

How will parents know how to save for their children’s college education if tuition continues to increase drastically each year.

If the price of tuition continues to compound, college will become a privilege rather than a choice.

The opportunity of college will be given only to those in the elite upper-class. It will be as it was several generations ago. College will return to its life as a stomping ground for the rich and fortunate.

Where will this extra money go?

Higher salaries for the Regents and school presidents is one guess.

We understand the goal of Campaign Destiny, is for Iowa State to become the best land-grant university in the nation. But at what expense to the students?

We don’t think the Regents have the best interests of the students at heart.

The Regents should consider the students’ actual economic ability to pay these increased rates.

The Regents should listen to those paying the extra money. So far no student we have spoken with wants to pay higher tuition.

The Regents need to be told that ISU students aren’t willing to pay such high tuition.

So let’s speak up.