I am a student parent living the past five years through the phasing out of affordable family housing on campus at the University of Utah. I will likely be here near its complete demolition in July 2028. Here’s why it matters that the university is moving to expensive new housing.
The average graduate student at the University of Utah earns just over $9,500 a semester, about 20% above poverty without working the summer. Married, and they enter into poverty without additional income. At the rental rates of the new units, average graduate students pay 40% - 100% of their earnings on housing. This disproportionately impacts students with families because they primarily occupy the more expensive 2–3-bedroom units.
Starter units are critical for supporting and encouraging young, brilliant and dedicated families to move to and stay in Utah. Gov. Cox has repeatedly called upon the state to address the generational problem of housing affordability. “Our state is only as strong as our families,” he said. This call should extend to the student families attending the state’s flagship institution of higher learning. Without action, we face a decline in the number and diversity of this important demographic, estimated to be 1 in 5 students, with many potential long-term repercussions on Utah’s reputation and economy not intended for this short letter.
By pricing young student families out of essential housing on university campuses, you are forcing them to decide between undertaking exorbitant debts and a compromised education. State values, including those of living within a budget and of family friendliness, should be reflected in its institutions and in the lives of graduates from its institutions. I would like to see Utah be a draw for student families from all over the states and internationally. Stifling them is sending the wrong message.
Paul Cardon, Salt Lake City
Donate to the newsroom now. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax deductible