The Hidden Cost of Enrollment
Every Day I’m waking up, I have something to pay for.
According to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, more than two-thirds of students report financial challenges in their families. Education, housing, and transportation are among the top stressors.
While Historically Black Colleges and Universities are often celebrated for their rich history, vibrant cultures, and strong sense of community, many students quietly navigate financial challenges that extend far beyond academics. Financial struggles such as loan debt, tuition costs, and delayed financial aid impact students’ mental health, academic performance, and their ability to remain enrolled in classes.
Makayla Jones, an out-of-state student at Florida A&M University, shared insight into the realities of managing student life, unexpected expenses, and financial uncertainty. She recalled a particularly difficult spring semester last year when financial strain began to affect both her mental health and academic performance.
“Last spring when I didn’t have a job and my refund check wasn’t as big compared to the previous semester, it was really hard for me,” Jones said. “Even with simple tasks, like laundry and groceries, I had to take a step back and wait. It was stressful because every day I’m waking up, I have something to pay for.”
When Delayed Aids become an Academic Barrier
Sometimes students can’t register for classes because of aid delays
While students like Jones experience the immediate effects of financial strain, administrators see the issue from a broader perspective. Kechaunda Gilcrease, assistant director of the Florida A&M University Foundations Awards Office, oversees gift processing and scholarship awards for students. Gilcrease addressed the issue of delayed aid for HBCU students, attributing these delays to outdated technology and staffing shortages.
“I’ve seen [it] impact students by sometimes not allowing them to register for class in the upcoming semester,” said Gilcrease. “This issue has a lot to do with manpower, and some of it I believe is technology. We may need a couple more people on deck so that things can flow in the way they need to, and updating our technology so the system can be more efficient.”
Florida A&M University has increased out-of-state tuition and fees by 15% for the 2026–2027 academic year. Although the Florida Department of Education declined an interview, a representative from the press office stated, “Florida College System Institutions have not raised tuition in over a decade. This reflects Governor Ron DeSantis leadership and consistent support from the Legislature, along with colleges disciplined efficiency and commitment to putting students first. Florida continues to lead the nation in delivering high-quality, affordable higher education.”
The Effects of Financial Stress on Mental Health
Financial stress often extends beyond enrollment concerns. According to Lumina Foundation, financial strain can lead students to make decisions that undermine academic progress or force them to withdraw altogether. These pressures frequently take a toll on students’ mental health as well. BetterHelp reports that the burden of tuition, living expenses, and student debt can turn college into a source of anxiety, jeopardizing both academic success and overall well-being. “Financial stressors can lead students to make choices that undermine academic progress or cause them to drop out. The effects of unmet financial need start at home and spill into the classroom.”
Institutions and communities must confront the financial barriers their students silently endure. As colleges continue to promote access and opportunity, addressing these barriers is essential. For many HBCU students, success is not just about earning a degree, but surviving the journey to graduation without sacrificing their mental health or future stability. Until systemic barriers are addressed, students will continue to carry both academic ambition and economic uncertainty on their shoulders.
