BARRY’S PRICE TAG LEAVES STUDENTS ASKING FOR MORE - AN OP-ED COLUMN
- Camryn Tyrrell
- Nov 11, 2025
- 3 min read
By Camryn Tyrrell
Barry University is not an inexpensive school. As a private university, the price tag is three times higher than its public counterpart in Miami. For years, many students have voiced concerns about how much money they spend to attend school and are
concerned they are not receiving enough in return.
It costs roughly $18,000 per semester, and if you choose to live on campus, nearly $8,000 gets added for housing. That does not include extra fees like course
materials (an additional $500), and the new protocol of paying for parking on campus. And for international students, tuition costs are even higher.
Recently, the campus has seen many new renovations and aesthetic additions that students find unnecessary. These include the new bookstore location and remodel, adding games and snack carts to Thompson Lobby, the new mail pick-up lockers in
Landon, and even brand-new hammocks near some residential areas. While these updates improve the campus's appearance, many students are unhappy with the lack of action on more urgent issues like campus housing, the dining hall, and students who are not athletes.
As a senior student who has lived on campus since my freshman year, I have seen, felt and heard the widespread dissatisfaction with the residence hall conditions at Barry. It feels as if the school is so focused on the look of common spaces like Thompson Hall and Landon Student Union that they almost neglect the housing buildings.
Adding to this sentiment, Paris Mitchell, a junior nursing student, said, “I’m paying $5,000 to live on campus, my lights are flickering, and my toilet is clogged, yet they’re adding air hockey tables to Thompson instead of fixing my work orders.” Many students say they would prefer basic improvements, like bathroom repairs, mold removal, and updated flooring, over recreational additions.
Issues like mold have been plaguing my fellow residents for years, to where some have even had to move into on-campus safe rooms for their health and safety. Many of us wonder if our safety concerns are being taken seriously, while the school spends more money on decorations.
Why do we need digital screens in Thompson and Landon that showcase posters that could just go on the bulletin boards (which are right behind them)? Or even
the recent replacement of the elevator in Landon, while the elevator in Kolasa, a residence hall, frequently breaks down and remains unfixed, further highlighting students’ frustrations with the administration?
Another ongoing issue is the meal plan, which is mandatory for on-campus residents. The price can reach around $2,800 per semester. Students express dis- appointment with the cafeteria’s limited choices and food quality.
“Given that we almost pay 3k for food, it’s honestly crazy that I only get 1-2 pieces of chicken on my plate,” said junior theatre major N’Koya Bermudez.
Doesn't our money go directly to the chefs, dining workers, and the food that they make for us? For $2,800, I should be able to go to the cafeteria and find something
that I like to eat, but unfortunately, most days, I leave with a plate of fries and a slice of pizza.
The allocation of funds to athletics is another recurring concern among non-athlete students. As Barry is not a majority athletic school, many students feel that
sports programs receive continual upgrades while other areas of campus are neglected. Plans are supposedly underway for a new athlete-only gym, even though an existing one is already present.
Though athletics has its own funding through donors and such, non-athlete students feel as if they do not matter as much to this school, which they pay so much money to go to. The constant upgrades the athletic department seems to get are clear,
while other departments use outdated equipment and struggle to keep up with growing student needs.
Like me, many Barry students are left wondering where their tuition money is really going. While the university continues to roll out new aesthetic projects and various athletic upgrades, the ongoing issues in housing, dining, and even the classroom remain largely unresolved.
It's not about wanting super-luxurious, new amenities, it's about wanting fairness. Students are pushing for basic improvements that reflect the amount they pay
to attend Barry. For a school that prides itself on its community, many feel the administration should start listening to the concerns of those who make up that very community. But until then, we will continue to question whether their investment in Barry University is truly being valued.
very informative!
So you don't like picking up packages after 5pm and on weekends?
As a parent of an international student I agree, although there is much to love about Barry and always grateful for alll scholarship monies received there is so much more that can be done!