Since 2010, the University of Mississippi has grown by nearly 5,000 students and continues to break records each year with the number of freshmen enrolled.
According to the United States Census Bureau, it’s estimated that Oxford has grown more than 18 percent since 2010. With both the population of Oxford and student enrollment at the University of Mississippi increasing, the once-small college town is now rapidly growing to suit the needs of its students and residents.
While the University provides students with many different options for financial aid, expanding rent prices and the general costs of living in Oxford aren’t ideal for all students.
Pell Grants, a subsidy that the U.S. federal government provides for college students who need financial aid, help a significant number of students attend the University.
According to the United States Department of Education, the Pell Grant program provided 4,862 University of Mississippi students more than $21 million of financial aid in the 2014–2015 academic year alone.
Alexis Smith, a junior international studies major, is currently enrolled in Sociology 311, also known as Social Problems, taught by Dr. JT Thomas, assistant professor of sociology.
“30% of University of Mississippi students are Pell Grant recipients, which means around 30% of students here aren’t coming from families with very large incomes,” Smith said.
According to Smith, as housing prices in Oxford continue to increase, the effects are felt by Oxonians and students alike.
“It becomes harder and harder for students, especially in Mississippi, to attend the University, not necessarily because of tuition prices, but due to the cost of housing and living in Oxford,” said Smith.
Lyndy Berryhill, a senior print journalism major, said scholarships made college possible for her.
“I got academic scholarships, as well as financial aid scholarships,” said Berryhill. “My scholarships, combined with working a full-time job and saving my money, allow me to have a life here in Oxford, even if it’s not the same lifestyle as most.”
Students, who often take heavy course loads that make full-time employment difficult, are limited by affordable housing options that fit their budget. Most students confronting this issue are forced to choose between staying in Oxford or moving out of city limits to find more affordable options.
Many low-income students are often hesitant to borrow money when grants can’t cover all costs, making loans artificially harder to access.
In some cases, students are even dealing with homelessness. According to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as FAFSA, over 56,000 college students were homeless in 2013.
If Oxford rent prices continue to rise and low-income housing options are not prioritized, both potential and current students may not have a chance at a college education, even despite the numerous financial aid options available through the University.
For more information about the housing crisis in Oxford, visit the WeSay:Voices of LOU Facebook page.