As the election approaches, one critical issue that needs attention is the financial insecurity facing college students nationwide. At the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), many students struggle with the costs of tuition, fees, and other expenses, leading to overwhelming stress. As students, we have an opportunity to make our voices heard by showing up at the polls. The financial hurdles we face are not inevitable; they result from policy choices that can be changed. Now more than ever, it’s crucial that we vote for policymakers who will prioritize the needs of college students.

 

Financial insecurity among college students has become a serious crisis, threatening individual success and the future of higher education. According to the Education Data Initiative (EDI) around 65 percent of college students have skipped out on buying textbooks simply because these supplies are too expensive. In that same breath, around 20 percent of students fail their classes due to the lack of textbooks and course materials. A recent UIC survey found that 70% of students struggle with tuition and other costs, describing it as a “constant stressor.” This reflects a national trend where education costs have risen faster than inflation, forcing students into heavy debt or long work hours to stay enrolled. At UIC, 81% of students work 4 to 35 hours per week, with some juggling multiple jobs, leaving little time for academics or self-care. This situation is unsustainable, but change is possible through informed voting.

 

Financial insecurity profoundly affects students’ lives. Many are forced to take fewer classes, delaying graduation and increasing their overall costs. Others skip buying textbooks, despite the negative impact on their performance, because they must choose between school materials and paying bills. The stress from these financial pressures also takes a toll on mental health, leading to lower academic outcomes or even dropping out. UIC students consistently talk about the emotional burden of worrying about finances while trying to focus on school. With one student specifically asking, “Why do I have to pay for everything?”. Evidently, for many UIC students the pursuit of a degree feels more like a constant uphill struggle.

 

This election is an opportunity to advocate for policies that support affordable education. While political views vary, it’s clear we need elected officials who prioritize making higher education more accessible. Increased funding for financial aid, such as expanding Illinois’ Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants. The MAP grant provides need-based aid to low-income traditional and non-traditional students to help cover tuition and mandatory fees. However, current funding often leaves students struggling with additional costs, such as housing and textbooks. By expanding need-based aid such as MAP grants, we can make higher education more accessible by covering additional college fees as well as tuition. Additionally, we need to push for transparency on student fees and more public investment in universities. Students should not have to work 30 hours a week or take on crippling debt just to earn a degree. If we don’t make our voices heard at the ballot box, we risk letting the status quo continue to harm future generations of students. 

 

The financial challenges faced by UIC students, and students nationwide, are the result of policy decisions. We can advocate for more equitable funding, more affordable tuition, and stronger financial support for students, but only if we vote for leaders who prioritize these issues. The stakes are high, and the future of higher education is on the line. By voting, students can help shape the policies that directly impact their lives. This election is our chance to push for the changes students desperately need, ensuring that future generations can pursue higher education without facing overwhelming financial hardship. It’s time to take action—starting at the polls.