What is differential tuition?

Differential tuition refers to a form of tuition structure in which students pay different tuition amounts based on factors such as their major or program of study. The purpose of differential tuition is to better reflect the actual cost of providing specific programs or majors, and to allocate resources accordingly. For example, science and engineering programs may have higher tuition than liberal arts or humanities programs due to the higher costs associated with providing laboratory and equipment resources. Differential tuition may also be used to incentivize enrollment in certain programs or to address issues of supply and demand. However, critics of differential tuition argue that it can exacerbate existing inequalities and limit access for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Overall, the use of differential tuition remains a complex and controversial issue in higher education policy.