I am thankful for initiatives like the WashU Pledge and the adoption of need-blind admissions, but WashU must do more. Several of my friends and classmates have transferred due to rising costs, and prospective students are increasingly ranking other schools above WashU because of financial concerns. WashU is losing talent not just from lower economic backgrounds, but also those from the middle class.

At home in Florida in November of 2024, Junior Kayleigh Hernandez was brought to tears discussing her future. Months earlier, she had been evicted from her WashU housing and was unable to continue taking her classes.

Over the summer of 2024, then-rising-junior Kayleigh Hernandez was confronted with a notification that shocked her: She had an outstanding balance of $50,000 owed to WashU. As a first-generation, low-income (FGLI) student, Hernandez normally paid a greatly reduced tuition that ranged in the hundreds of dollars.

Washington University students and parents were notified of a tuition increase for the 2024-2025 academic year on Feb. 1. The cost is a 4.5% increase from the current year, making it the highest tuition increase in the past 10 years. 

A WashU education continues to grow pricier, but after a pandemic and record endowment growth, the University should consider the necessity of raising tuition yet again.

While the change to need-blind admissions has been long-desired — almost an unachievable fantasy — this turn of long-halted gears on a highly supported admissions modification is commendable. It also shows that plenty of other “fantastical” financial changes are equally possible. 

In the Zetchers’ recognition, South 40 House will be renamed Arnold and Ellen Zetcher House.

Wash. U.’s renewed commitment to socioeconomic diversity falls flat without a commitment to becoming need-blind that is more than a declaration of aspiration. The Zetchers’ contribution is indeed a step toward pulling this goal out of the realm of possibility and into reality.

During the address, which was broadcast live on YouTube, Martin described some highlights of the Washington University experience in 2020, in the face of the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A mutual aid fund run by and for Black students at Washington University has raised over $5,000 to alleviate financial pressures exacerbated by the pandemic.