North Texas Daily

Making the most of tuition

Making the most of tuition

February 02
13:40 2016

Taylor Maynard | Staff Writer

@trillataylor

Ten thousand dollars will buy 10 gallons of gas per day for an entire year. It can purchase a new, 18-karat gold Apple Watch. It is also the average cost of one year of in-state tuition as a full-time student at UNT.

Nearly half (46 percent) of tuition expenses go toward paying the salaries and wages of university professors and employees. Benefits and other payroll-related costs make up 12 percent. The remaining funds go toward maintenance and operations, financial aid, professional fees and services, debt service and capital expenditures.

But there are some hidden perks within these mandatory fees that many have yet to discover.

“What’s really cool and what most students don’t realize is that you get more for your dollar than what you pay in,” associate vice president of UNT Budget and Analytics Beverly Cotton said. “Tuition and fee income is about $261 million at the university, but our total revenue is $626 million that we spend, so you almost get three times more for what you pay.”

Counseling

A variety of group therapy sessions are available to students at no cost. In the “Dog Breath” therapy group held every Monday, students are invited to practice mindful mediation with Buddy the therapy dog.

Participants in the “Dancing Mindfulness” group learn and practice stress-relieving dance maneuvers. A different group session is held each week in the UNT Student Health and Wellness Center.

“I didn’t realize I could go to group meditation sessions for free,” junior Emily Treibel said. “I would definitely have taken advantage sooner.”

They also offer grief and LGBTQ support groups, in addition to body wellness sessions. One-on-one counseling is also provided free of charge for at least eight sessions. The only expense to students is for any medication prescribed to them.

Health benefits

The Health and Wellness Center offers a dental discount program to students as well, providing dental care at a cheaper price than most insurance rates. College Optical Express, also located in the Health and Wellness Center, extends a discount to UNT students for eye appointments.

Students also get discounts on therapeutic massage via the Health and Wellness Center. They can receive a 30-90 minute massage from prices of $25-$59. Off-campus clinics will charge $65-$110 for massages of the same length.

Exercising

Use of UNT’s Pohl Recreation Center equipment is also free for students. The rec center also offers a wide selection of classes at student prices. It is also home to a lap pool, a leisure pool and a spa, all free to those who present their UNT ID. The rock-climbing wall is $35 per semester, or $5 for one climbing session.

“The rec center has a very friendly atmosphere and a lot of space for people,” junior Lee Stewart said. “The indoor track is a great place to run, and if you like basketball there are usually people willing to run a pick up game.”

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