Students have had mixed reactions to Senior Vice President Andrew Flagel's announcement last month that the administration anticipates a four percent increase in the cost of attending Brandeis next year. The Justice interviewed several students about what they think about the potential cost increase.

This increase would bring the total cost of attending Brandeis to $59,000 from last year's $56,500.

"I know that the [U]niversity is in a bind," wrote Student Union President Todd Kirkland '13 in an email to the Justice. "Most universities that are considered Brandeis' peers have been around for much longer and have stronger endowments and annual gifts. Brandeis is already dipping into its endowment and it can not keep dipping into it for both sustainability and legal reasons."

Liz Cohn '16 believes that there should be significant changes before a rise in tuition costs. "This is already one of the most expensive schools in the county, and there are a lot of things that could be significantly improved, including the quality of the food and the general maintenance of dorms," Cohn said in an interview with the Justice. "Until I feel like the money that is being spent on my college education is actually being put to good use, I don't think there needs to be an increase in tuition. I think there needs to be an increase in the overall quality of basic student services."

"It is a complete shame that the Board of Trustees continues to increase the burden of the students and their families while stating in their strategic plan that we stand for social justice," wrote Student Union treasurer David Clements '14 in an email to the Justice.

Some students, including Liat Zabludovsky '13, say they understand the need for the increase. "In order to maintain a quality institution, you need a certain amount of money. I think the administration worked really hard to not have a tuition increase to avoid the backlash, so I'm sure there is a good reason and I trust them."

Others understand that the University needs a certain amount of money to maintain itself, but do not necessarily accept the additional financial strain that it places on students.

"One of the unique aspects of Brandeis that makes it so great is that while we are a small liberal arts university with relatively few students, there is also a massive amount of highly academic and scientific research that goes on here," Clements said. Since Brandeis is a research institution with a relatively small student body, the amount of research is hard to maintain financially. "Something has to give, and recently the Trustees have decided that the sacrifice will be the burden of the students," Clements said.

The increase may be inevitable, according to Kirkland. "The University at the current moment has two options: raise costs or cut services. If Brandeis cuts too many services, Brandeis would not be Brandeis. I believe Brandeis understands that it cannot continue to raise costs at this level for years to come, but this seems to be the only option for the university at this time," Kirkland said.

The Board of Trustees will meet this week to vote on the finalized budget for 2014.

-Sam Mintz contributed reporting.