Paying for your education is tough, but (and hopefully you agree) worth it in the end. The cost of an education at West Chester has increased slowly over the years, and it is interesting to look back and see how time - and inflation - has affected students' piggy banks.
Over a hundred years ago, G.M. Philips, Principal of the State Normal School at West Chester, wrote a description of the Tuition and Costs at his institution. The following excerpt from a 1930s admissions pamphlet reflects the cost of an education in the 1890s.
The entire cost, including room and board, tuition, and laundry services for an entire year was $205. This included all fees except for textbooks and private music lessons.
If you read further, however, you will find that the state paid fifty cents per week per student, which brings the total cost down to $184 per year. Today, that wouldn't even pay for books!
During the 1930s, the United States experienced an economic downturn known as the Great Depression. Though hopefully not as severe as the 1930s version, we are again expereincing tough economic times. If only the cost of school was similar too!
Students learning to be teachers in 1935 Student enjoying their college experience, 1930s
And nothing is better than free. That's right during the 1930s, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania paid tuition for all in-state students who agreed to teach in Pennsylvania for at least two years after graduation. Of course, students still had to pay their room and board, fees and other expenses.
The school has expanded somewhat since the 1890s, so there are more options, and therefore a variety of prices. But the most that any student would pay per year for their education at West Chester was $472. Sounds good, right?
This excerpt from a 1939 Admissions pamphlet shows a chart of fees for students.
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