Financial, Social, and Spiritual Education Low Tuition

We do not want a dark cloud to gather over us in the form of a debt. We do not want our debt to accumulate. In our schools in America, the price of tuition for students has been set too low, and the managers of the schools have become convinced that even with proper economy, they could not continue these low prices. After one or two terms of school, a careful investigation has revealed to them that the sum set was not sufficient to cover expenses, that the tuition should be increased, thus avoiding a discouraging debt. Far better let all the students share in the expense, than allow the school to bear the whole weight; for this throws upon the managers of the institution on a continual suspicion of miscalculation, want of economy, and wrong planning. These debts are very discouraging to teachers.SpM 128.3

The price of tuition should be used to pay the teachers their salary. Teachers should have some margin above their actual needs, that they may make donations when pledges are called for. It is a great satisfaction to them to have something with which to help in an emergency. Their wages should not be placed at the lowest; therefore, the sum for tuition, should at least be sufficient to pay the teachers and supply the table with abundant, healthful food. Debts must not be allowed to accumulate term after term.SpM 128.4

During the vacation sufficient funds should come in to prepare for the opening of the school the following term. Through the summer school should be held several hours every day for the benefit of those students who because of the expense of traveling do not desire to leave Cooranbong. All those who have pleaded for low tuition should, before expressing their decision, weigh matters on all sides, and then after estimating the cost of table fare, teachers’ wages, and the furnishing of rooms, bring in their figures.SpM 129.1

Light has been given me that we are not to pattern after any school that has been run in America. There is to be a more durable education gained. It is the knowledge of the Word. And with every arrangement made, economy must be kept in view. The teachers must cooperate in requiring from the students sufficient funds to cover the running expenses or they must themselves agree to do their work for lower wages. The estimate of the school expenses must be considered, and if there is no way to keep free from debt, all are at liberty to arrange among themselves to donate a certain amount of their wages. It may be best to raise the tuition; then the teachers will have the privilege of using their means to help where they see that help is most needed. When a call is made for means, where it is a pleasure to assist, the teachers should have something in their own earnings to use as they shall see fit.SpM 129.2

Those who have the truth in their hearts are always open hearted, helping where it is necessary. They lead out, and others imitate their example. If there are those who would have the benefits of the school, but who can not pay full price for their tuition, let the churches in our conferences show their liberality by helping them. This is an important subject, and calls, not for a narrow calculation, but for a thorough investigation. The counsel of the Lord is needed. The school should have a sufficient income to be able to furnish some things to students during the term of school, which it is essential for them to have in their work.SpM 129.3