๐ Universities Without Innovation, Students Bear the Full Burden
๐ 15 Years of Frozen Tuition, Yet Students Still Struggle
Major universities in Seoul, such as Seoul National University and Yonsei University, have kept undergraduate tuition fees frozen for an astounding 15 years due to government regulations. On the surface, this seems like a relief for students, but in reality, the burden remains heavy. Despite the freeze, tuition fees are still among the highest globally, ranking 7th for private universities and 8th for public universities among OECD countries.
๐ธ Universities Cry Financial Hardship, Yet Their Reserves Keep Growing
Aside from a few prestigious institutions, most universities claim to be facing financial difficulties. Due to the ongoing tuition freeze, many cannot even afford to repair leaking facilities or invest in the latest research equipment. Faculty and staff salaries have also been frozen, leading to lawsuits demanding pay raises.
Ironically, despite these claims of financial strain, private university reserves have continued to grow. Since the tuition freeze policy began in 2009, university reserves have exceeded 8 trillion KRW. As of the 2021 fiscal report, 53.5% of private university finances depend on tuition, while foundation contributions account for only 8%. Many universities face criticism for their lack of financial transparency.
๐ซ Surplus in Public Education Funds, Yet Universities Are Neglected
While public education funds for elementary, middle, and high school students are overflowingโsometimes leading to unnecessary cash disbursementsโuniversities are left out in the cold. Government funding for universities ranks 30th out of 38 OECD countries. The government avoids responsibility, claiming universities should manage on their own, while universities rely solely on student tuition for survival.
๐ Caught Between Government and Universities: Students Suffer the Most
Ultimately, the burden falls squarely on the students. They face outdated facilities, a lack of advanced research equipment, and the constant pressure of high tuition fees. The government shirks its responsibility, and universities ignore calls for financial transparency, focusing only on the money they collect from students. In this cycle of neglect and inefficiency, students bear all the disadvantages.