The significance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields in today’s global landscape cannot be overstated. As catalysts for innovation, STEM disciplines play a crucial role in driving technological advancements, spurring economic growth and addressing complex challenges, contributing to the rapid evolution of societies worldwide.

Often, these fields of study require lab work to simulate the real-world implications of the classroom material. At Tulane University, each lab comes with additional lab fees, accompanying the already steep cost of tuition. These labs are especially prevalent for students studying health-related tracks, biology and chemistry, among others.

Truly Pasek, a senior at Tulane double majoring in public health and Spanish on the pre-med track, discussed her experience as a STEM major. 

According to Pasek, “There are eight lab classes required for the pre-med track — General Chemistry I and II Labs, Organic Chemistry I and II Labs, Introductory Physics I and II Labs, General Biology Lab, and Diversity of Life Lab. However, many students also take additional labs — such as Anatomy and Physiology — to prepare for medical school.” Over her four years at Tulane, Pasek has spent about $2,000 on lab fees, as each lab fee is around $250.  

Senior Gabby Shih has spent even more. As a sociology major with a chemistry and Spanish minor on the pre-med track, Shih has taken about 10 labs, totaling around $2,000 to $3,000 in lab fees. These lab fees do not cover all the materials used in a lab, forcing Shih and her peers to spend money on calculators, lab manuals, lab books, lab coats and personal protective equipment, costs which are not normally imposed upon their liberal arts and business school counterparts.

These fees place a hefty burden on students hoping to enter STEM fields and act as a barrier to entry for those who cannot afford the additional costs. Senior Julie Cohen, a neuroscience and Spanish double major on the pre-med track who has spent nearly $1,500 on lab fees, is among the interviewed students who were unable to cite any financial aid available to STEM students to offset the cost. Cohen has never been made aware of any financial resources available to STEM students.

There are financial resources available to offset lab costs for students, but they are not easily accessible. Pasek is a member of Phi Delta Epsilon, Tulane’s pre-med fraternity. During her time in this organization, Pasek has received information on various academic and financial resources, such as discount codes for MCAT materials and the medical school entry exam. It is also important to note that students must pay for membership in PhiDE, adding another barrier to access. For the students not in PhiDE, these materials remain inaccessible to the general STEM population.

STEM students are not the only students who encounter additional costs. Tulane has a general core requirement that requires all students to take a lab science course, potentially imposing an additional lab fee on all students, regardless of major. Similarly, studio art majors have to pay additional fees for every studio class and are required to buy materials such as special pencils, paper and canvases.

STEM education is imperative to economic growth, technological advances and societal well-being of our world. To promote its image as a global leader, Tulane must find a way to remove the financial barriers to STEM education.

Recent graduate, Iker Yturralde, who spent around $800 in lab fees while double majoring in environmental biology and marine biology suggests that Tulane consider switching to a major-dependent tuition model. Pasek and Shih took a different approach by recommending the elimination of lab fees, while Cohen took a more creative approach, suggesting a trade-in program where students could sell their old lab equipment.  

The additional financial burden placed on STEM students at Tulane acts as a significant barrier to entry. This not only undermines Tulane’s principles of equity in education but also restricts access to crucial academic resources. To foster a more inclusive and accessible STEM education, Tulane must take measures, whether by eliminating lab fees, promoting alternative funding models or implementing trade-in programs for lab equipment, to ensure that financial constraints do not discourage STEM students.