On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, international students at Lake Land College received a notice announcing an immediate change in the tuition payment policy. Starting this summer, international students will no longer have access to the college’s payment plan option and must pay their full tuition upfront, one week before classes begin.
This decision has raised serious concerns among international students. For most, studying in the United States was never a simple or easy dream. It came with great sacrifice—not just personal, but financial. Many of us left our home countries, some facing war, political instability or difficult living conditions, all in hopes of building a better future through education. Our parents work hard back home, often earning in currencies that are much weaker than the U.S. dollar. Yet, they do everything possible to support our dreams and send us here.
We are not complaining about the cost of tuition—we have always known that studying abroad is expensive. What we’re questioning is why the flexibility to pay in installments is being taken away. That payment plan was a lifeline for many students, making it possible to study, stay enrolled and continue chasing their goals. Now, removing that option adds a heavy burden that many may not be able to carry.
It is important to understand the financial reality that international students face. While domestic students often pay around $1,000 to $2,000 per semester—and still express concerns about affordability—international students pay four times that amount. Yet despite paying significantly more, we are now being asked to pay for everything upfront, with no flexibility. This puts incredible pressure on families who already stretch themselves thin to support their children’s education from abroad.
The decision feels not only harsh, but also inconsiderate of the unique challenges international students face. It risks pushing students into difficult situations, potentially affecting their immigration status if they are unable to meet the deadline. It also causes many to question whether they are truly supported in this academic journey.
We understand that there may be legitimate reasons behind this decision. Perhaps some students didn’t meet their obligations under the payment plan, but applying a strict rule to everyone, regardless of their payment history, feels unfair. A better approach would be to enforce accountability for those who miss payments, rather than removing the opportunity entirely, even for those who have always followed the guidelines.
International students contribute so much to the campus community. We bring diverse cultures, ideas and experiences. We work hard, follow the rules and make every effort to succeed—not just for ourselves, but for our families and communities back home. All we ask is that we be met with understanding, fairness and support as we pursue the dreams we have traveled so far to achieve.
