The cost of senior year has dramatically increased over the past few years. What was once a standard procedure has turned into an extravagant expense. Seniors already battle their busy schedules, and now they are fighting the steep costs of fitting in.
Senior pictures are a decades-old tradition. Today, though, it has become very popular to get these professional photos taken to post on social media and display at graduation parties. Many seniors schedule these appointments months in advance, with the fall months being a popular choice.
This has become so widespread that many districts use their students’ professional photos as their picture in the yearbook. Professional photos are very expensive, ranging anywhere from $100 to thousands of dollars. Many families cannot afford the extra expense which can cause seniors to feel left out.
Social media adds to the unrealistic expenditures seniors are facing. “Social media portrays senior celebrations like graduation parties, college acceptance bed parties, outfits and senior pictures in the highest manner. Unrealistic standards are set and cause additional financial stress on families, taking away from the experience and memories, which is what’s most important,” said senior Sophia Foad.
Parents and students often use senior year as an excuse to go above and beyond for school dances. Girls tend to spend more than ever on dresses during senior year. Coupled with the costs of accessories, dining, flowers and the tickets themselves, attending a single dance could cost hundreds of dollars.
In addition, the cost of applying to colleges and taking standardized tests adds up quickly. Many colleges require high test scores for admissions, so students hire tutors and take tests multiple times to get a desired score. Post-testing, seniors apply to colleges where they pay a fee of around $50 per application.
Even the pressure to be admitted into rigorous colleges can create a financial burden. “The rising cost of senior year can cause stress on students and families, despite the exciting memories it is supposed to hold. With decreasing admission rates amongst a myriad of prestigious universities, families feel the need to spend excessive amounts of money on ACT/SAT tutoring, college essay revisers, college admission counselors and endless other services. The competition is higher and more expensive than ever before,” added Foad.
In addition to everything else, graduation parties have become much more extravagant as students are constantly trying to one-up their peers. Parents spend countless hours and funds to host the best possible party for their senior. The cost to rent a venue alone is nearly $1000 without accounting for food, beverages or decorations. To be able to afford these parties seniors typically combine their celebrations.
Parents try to ensure their student has a great senior year, but the growing cost can be challenging. “A student’s senior year should be fun and memorable, but also is a time to figure out their next chapter. Because of that, expenses can add up from college visits, college applications, ACT tests, senior pictures, graduation gowns and parties,” said senior parent Amy Asselin.
Senior year is supposed to be a year of making memories and preparing for the future, yet the cost overtakes the intended purpose. Eventually, senior traditions may start to fade as costs become increasingly unaffordable.
