How much does it cost to attend St. Olaf College. What are the tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students. How do international students finance their education at St. Olaf. What additional expenses should students consider beyond tuition.
St. Olaf College Tuition Overview
St. Olaf College, a private liberal arts institution in Northfield, Minnesota, offers a high-quality education with a corresponding price tag. In 2022, the college’s annual tuition reached $54,650, marking a 3.76% increase from the previous year’s $52,670. This upward trend aligns with the typical annual tuition hike of about 3% observed in many colleges across the United States.
However, it’s crucial to understand that the sticker price doesn’t always reflect the actual cost of attendance. Many students find their financial burden significantly reduced through various forms of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and tuition discounts. Additionally, student loans can help manage college expenses until graduation and subsequent employment.
Is the tuition at St. Olaf College worth it?
While the cost may seem steep, St. Olaf College’s reputation for academic excellence and strong liberal arts curriculum often justifies the investment for many students. The college’s focus on holistic education, coupled with its robust alumni network, can provide valuable long-term benefits that extend beyond the immediate cost considerations.
In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition at St. Olaf
Unlike public institutions, St. Olaf College, being a private, religious institution, maintains uniform tuition rates for all students, regardless of their state of residence. This policy means that students from Minnesota pay the same tuition as those from other states, eliminating the often significant in-state vs. out-of-state tuition disparity found in public universities.
Does residency affect tuition at St. Olaf College?
No, residency does not affect tuition at St. Olaf College. The college’s status as a private institution means it doesn’t receive state funding tied to in-state student enrollment, allowing it to offer consistent pricing to all domestic students.
International Student Tuition and Financial Aid
St. Olaf College extends its uniform tuition policy to international students, who pay the same rates as domestic out-of-state students. While international students typically don’t qualify for U.S. government loans or grants, St. Olaf offers several institutional aid options to support their education.
What financial support is available for international students at St. Olaf?
International students at St. Olaf College may be eligible for:
- On-campus employment opportunities
- St. Olaf College-specific loans
- St. Olaf College-specific scholarships
- Merit-based institutional scholarships (for those without demonstrated financial need)
These options help make a St. Olaf education more accessible to a diverse international student body, fostering a global learning environment on campus.
Beyond Tuition: Additional Costs at St. Olaf College
When budgeting for college, it’s essential to look beyond tuition and consider the full spectrum of expenses associated with higher education. At St. Olaf College, these additional costs play a significant role in determining the overall financial commitment required.
What are the housing and meal plan costs at St. Olaf College?
For the academic year in question, St. Olaf College charges $12,450 for room and board. This fee covers:
- On-campus housing in dormitories or other college-owned accommodations
- A comprehensive dining plan allowing students to eat most or all of their meals in campus dining facilities
Students living off-campus have the option to purchase a meal plan separately, with the board-only cost set at $5,930. The flexibility in meal plan options allows students to tailor their dining expenses to their preferences and budgets.
How much should students budget for books and supplies?
The cost of books and supplies can vary significantly depending on a student’s course load and chosen majors. Many first-year students are surprised by these expenses, which can add up quickly. To manage these costs, students can explore several strategies:
- Utilize the college library for textbooks when possible
- Purchase used books from upperclassmen or online marketplaces
- Rent textbooks for courses that don’t require long-term reference materials
- Explore digital textbook options, which are often more affordable
By employing these tactics, students can significantly reduce their expenditure on course materials.
Transportation Costs and Considerations
Transportation expenses can vary widely among students, depending on their circumstances and choices. St. Olaf College’s location in a small town setting near Minneapolis-St. Paul presents unique considerations for students planning their travel and daily commutes.
How does St. Olaf College’s location impact transportation costs?
The college’s small-town setting may result in lower daily transportation costs for students living on or near campus. However, students may face higher expenses when traveling to and from home, especially if they live far from Minnesota. Factors to consider include:
- Mode of transportation to campus (car, public transit, air travel)
- Frequency of trips home
- On-campus parking fees (St. Olaf allows freshmen to park on campus)
- Availability and cost of public transportation in the area
Students should carefully evaluate these factors when budgeting for their college experience at St. Olaf.
Personal Expenses and Miscellaneous Costs
Beyond the major categories of tuition, room and board, and transportation, students should account for various personal expenses that contribute to their overall college cost. These can include:
- Entertainment and social activities
- Clothing and personal care items
- Technology and electronics
- Health insurance and medical expenses
- Extracurricular activities and club memberships
While these costs can vary greatly from student to student, it’s important to create a realistic budget that accounts for these everyday expenses to avoid financial stress during the academic year.
How can students manage personal expenses effectively?
To keep personal expenses in check, students can:
- Create and stick to a monthly budget
- Take advantage of free on-campus activities and events
- Utilize student discounts offered by local businesses
- Consider part-time on-campus employment to offset costs
- Prioritize needs over wants when making purchasing decisions
By developing good financial habits early, students can better manage their personal expenses throughout their college career.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities
Given the significant investment required to attend St. Olaf College, understanding and utilizing available financial aid options is crucial for many students. The college offers a range of financial assistance programs to help make education more accessible.
What types of financial aid are available at St. Olaf College?
St. Olaf College provides several forms of financial aid, including:
- Need-based grants
- Merit-based scholarships
- Work-study programs
- Federal and private student loans
The college’s financial aid office works with students to create personalized aid packages that may combine multiple forms of assistance to meet each student’s unique financial needs.
How can students maximize their chances of receiving financial aid?
To improve their prospects for financial aid, students should:
- Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible
- Research and apply for external scholarships in addition to institutional aid
- Maintain strong academic performance to qualify for merit-based awards
- Communicate openly with the financial aid office about any changes in financial circumstances
- Consider applying for departmental scholarships within their chosen field of study
By taking a proactive approach to financial aid, students can potentially reduce their out-of-pocket expenses and make a St. Olaf education more affordable.
Long-Term Value of a St. Olaf College Education
While the immediate costs of attending St. Olaf College may seem daunting, it’s important to consider the long-term value of the education and experiences gained. The college’s strong academic reputation, robust alumni network, and emphasis on holistic development can provide significant benefits that extend well beyond graduation.
What career outcomes can St. Olaf College students expect?
St. Olaf College boasts impressive post-graduation outcomes, including:
- High employment rates among recent graduates
- Strong graduate school acceptance rates
- Competitive starting salaries in various fields
- Access to a supportive and well-connected alumni network
These factors contribute to the overall return on investment for a St. Olaf education, potentially offsetting the initial costs over time.
How does St. Olaf College prepare students for future success?
The college’s approach to education focuses on developing well-rounded individuals through:
- Rigorous academic programs that emphasize critical thinking and problem-solving
- Opportunities for undergraduate research and hands-on learning experiences
- Strong emphasis on global perspectives and study abroad programs
- Career development services and internship opportunities
- Leadership development through extracurricular activities and campus involvement
These elements of a St. Olaf education contribute to graduates’ readiness for diverse career paths and further educational pursuits.
Making an Informed Decision
Choosing to attend St. Olaf College is a significant decision that involves careful consideration of both the costs and potential benefits. Prospective students and their families should weigh all factors, including academic fit, financial feasibility, and long-term career goals, when evaluating the value proposition of a St. Olaf education.
What steps should prospective students take when considering St. Olaf College?
To make an informed decision about attending St. Olaf College, students should:
- Visit the campus and attend information sessions to get a feel for the college atmosphere
- Speak with current students and alumni about their experiences
- Thoroughly review the financial aid options and calculate the expected family contribution
- Compare St. Olaf’s offerings and costs with those of other institutions under consideration
- Consider how well the college’s academic programs align with personal and career goals
- Evaluate the potential return on investment by researching career outcomes for St. Olaf graduates
By taking these steps, prospective students can gain a comprehensive understanding of what St. Olaf College offers and whether it aligns with their educational and financial objectives.
In conclusion, while the cost of attending St. Olaf College is substantial, the institution’s commitment to academic excellence, personalized education, and student success may justify the investment for many. By carefully considering all aspects of the college experience and exploring available financial aid options, students can make an informed decision about whether St. Olaf College is the right choice for their higher education journey.
St. Olaf College – College Confidential
In 2022, St. Olaf College’s tuition was $54,650 a year.
In 2022, tuition increased 3.76%–from $52,670 the prior year. Usually, colleges raise tuition about 3% each year.
If these numbers sound impossible, remember, the displayed price of tuition does not tell the full story. Many students find the actual cost of college is way less than the sticker price after grants, scholarships, and tuition discounts kick in. Plus, student loans can make theprice of collegemore manageable until you’ve finishing school and found a job.
In-state vs. Out-of-state Tuition at St. Olaf College
St. Olaf College is a private, religious institution, so it has the same tuition for students from Minnesota as it does for students who live in other states.
Public schools receive funds from the state to help them cover costs. These institutions offer a lower cost of attendance for those who qualify as Minnesota residents.
Choosing a college where you qualify for in-state tuition can save on the total cost of attending college. Don’t forget to confirm your state’s requirements for in-state residency. Every state has its own rules about what makes someone eligible for in-state tuition. In many states, students must have lived in the state for 12 months before starting school to qualify for in-state tuition. There may be other criteria as well, depending on where you live.
Explore other Minnesota colleges
St. Olaf College International Student Tuition
St Olaf College has the same tuition for international students as for those from out of state.
Students from outside of the U.S. usually do not qualify for for loans or grants from the U.S. government, but may be eligible for private or school-specific aid and scholarships. International students with need may qualify for the following types of financial support at St Olaf College:
•On-campus jobs
•St Olaf College-specific loans
•St Olaf College-specific scholarships
International students without financial need may be eligible for merit-based institutional scholarships.
St. Olaf College Room, Board, Fees, and More
In addition to the cost of tuition, there are other costs associated with college, like room and board, facility fees, and books and supplies. Let’s take a look at what impacts these costs, and what to expect at St Olaf College.
House and Food Costs at St Olaf College
Housing and campus dining at St Olaf College costs $12,450 a year. This number includes the cost of living in dorms or other on-campus housing, and a dining plan that allows you to eat all or some of your meals the school dining facilities. Students who live off campus but would like to be able to eat in the campus dining can choose to be on a meal plan. The cost of a mean plan, or board-only, is $5,930.
Board costs vary based on on the numnber of meals you intend to eat on-campus
How Much Do Books Cost at St Olaf College?
The cost of books often surprises first-year college students. The actual cost of books and supplies depends on the courses you take and what kinds of books and materials they require.
To save money, many students choose to use books from the library or buy books from students who have already taken the course.
Annual Fees
The majority of colleges also have fees to offsets cost associated with maintaining facilties, like the library, gym and computer labs.
Keep in mind, there could also be other costs associated with participating in special activities, like joining a fraternity or sorority, or participating in sports or other extracurriculars. Most colleges have resources so that those who may struggle to participate because of cost can find ways to lower or eliminate these fees.
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: Transportation costs at St Olaf College
The cost of transportation in college can really vary. Will you drive, fly, or take public transportation to school? Is on-campus parking free, or will you need to budget for parking? Is the campus small enough that you can easily walk from class-to-class?? Do you plan to bring a car or will you need to use public transportation? All of these factors can drastically impact your transportation budget.
At St Olaf College, freshman are allowed to park on campus.
Where are a college is located can impact transportation costs. Small, rural schools may be easier to get around, but the cost of getting to campus may be higher. On the flip side, getting around in an urban area could be expensive, but there may be more buses, trains and low-cost flight options to actually get to school. The St. Olaf College campus is located in a small town setting in Minnesota, near Minneapolis-St. Paul.
Other Costs
When creating a budget for college, don’t forget to consider personal expenses, like entertainment, clothes, furnishings and toiletries.
Total Tuition and Expenses at St. Olaf College
Now, let’s do a rundown of all of the costs associated with college, to get a better idea of what is really costs to go to St Olaf College.
Total Cost of St Olaf College
What will the cost of attending St Olaf College be? Here is a breakdown of tuition and expenses.
| 2022 Total Tuition and Expenses | |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $54,650 |
| Room and Board | $12,450 |
| Board Only | $12,450 |
| Other expenses | $900 |
The total estimated cost will vary depending on whether you are going to live on-campus or off-campus.
| Total Estimated Costs | |
|---|---|
| On-Campus | $69,000 |
| Off-Campus | $69,000 |
The breakdowns above provide a good estimate of the total cost of attendance before financial aid and scholarships. Tuition and fees may vary depending on program, course level, location, and more.
St Olaf College’s tuition and fees change based on:
•Course load for part-time students
St. Olaf College Financial Aid
The majority of St Olaf College undergrads use financial aid to to cover the cost of tuition.
In 2022, 2,224 of the 2,988 undergrads enrolled received financial aid. St Olaf College meets 95% of the demonstrated financial need for undergraduates.
The average financial aid package for a full-time, first-year student is around $49,910 a year. Around 63% of St Olaf College undergrads take out student loans to cover any remaining costs. St Olaf College graduates who have student loans graduate with an average of $27,797 of student loan debt.
The average debt for each loan type varies.
| Average Debt By Loan Type | |
|---|---|
| Federal Loans | $53,052 |
| State Loans | $22,867 |
| St Olaf College-Specific Loans | $9,070 |
| Private Loans | $38,305 |
| Most Common Loans for St Olaf College Students | |
|---|---|
| Federal Loans | 55% |
| State loans | 2% |
| Institutional Loans | 8% |
| Private loans | 11% |
Most students take out institutional or government loans, because they tend to have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options than private loans.
Loans from the federal government can be subsidized or unsubsidized. Subsidized loans do not accrue interest during school, while unsubsidized loans begin accruing interest at the time the loan is issued. If students do no qualify for enough federal loans to cover the cost of tuition, some take out private loans. Parents can also take out ParentPLUS loans, which are government loans for parents who are helping their children pay for college.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) helps colleges determine how much financial need students and their familes have, so they can offer a financial aid package that meets, or come close to meeting, their need. For more information on St Olaf College financial aid, keep reading, or visit their financial aid website.
Scholarships at St. Olaf College
Some students may receive grants and scholarships to help pay for college. Unlike loans, scholarships and grants do not have to be paid back.
In 2022, St Olaf College awarded 2,224 need-based scholarships to students, giving away total of $95.
6 million to help students with financial need cover the cost of school. An additional $16.2 million in merit-based scholarship money was awarded to students without demonstrated financial need.
Net Cost of St. Olaf College
The net price of college is the actual cost of attending a school for one year. Net cost is calculated by subtracting any scholarships, grants or other aid that does not need to be paid back from the total cost. Student loans are not part of the calculation, because they need to be repaid.
Now that we have a sense of the total estimated costs for St Olaf College students, we can subtract the average financial aid package to find the estimated net cost. Net cost can vary depending on a students’ need and the financial aid award received.
When considering whether a school fits your budget, it is important to consider the estimated net cost, not just the sticker price of tuition. Often, schools with the highest tuition also offer the most generous aid packages, so estimate your net cost before eliminating a school because it does fit your budget.
The average amount of financial aid received by a full-time first year student with demonstrated need at St Olaf College was $49,910 in 2022. By substracting the average financial aid package from the estimated costs, we get a number that may make the cost of St Olaf College seem more manageable.
| Estimated Net Cost for Full-Time Students | |
|---|---|
| On-Campus | $19,090 |
| Off-Campus | $19,090 |
What will attending St Olaf College really cost you? The answer depends on several factors.
As of 2011, colleges are required to have a net price calculator on their website to help prospective students and their families get a better idea of the actual cost of attending that school, based on their financial situation. You can find the St Olaf College’s net cost calculator on their website.
St. Olaf College Tuition Payment Plans
Some students choose to use payment plans to make the cost of tuition fit more comfortably in their budget.
St Olaf College offers an Installment Payment Plan, which allows students to pay tuition in a series of smaller chunks instead of one lump sum.
St Olaf College Tuition Waivers
Schools sometimes waiver tuition for certain groups, to make attending more affordable. Some schools offer tuition waivers for employees and their family members, underrepresented students, or military students. Even if you qualify for a waiver, students are usually responsible for housing, meal plans, and other expenses.
St Olaf College has some full or partial tuition waivers available for:
– Employees or Children of Employees
Check the financial aid website for more information on payment plans and tuition waivers.
Learn More About St. Olaf College
Click below to find out more about the admissions requirements and deadlines, student life, academics, majors and more.
Overview
Student Life
Academics
Admissions
Visit the College Confidential forums to join the conversation about St Olaf College
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Emily T.|Alsip, IL
$15-25/hr
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21 yrs old
I am enrolled at St. Olaf College with a B. A. in Social Work and Individual Major (Law, Order, and the Criminal Mind). I am committed to further education in social work and law, with an aspiration to work in family or criminal law with an emphasis on child well-being. I would love to continue my education with a J. D. and M. S. W. dual-degree! When I am not at school or work, I enjoy spending time with family and my dogs, participating in extracurriculars (of which there are many!), and relaxing with some good books or shows. I am always open to opportunities that will advance my education, expand my professional background, and allow for connections and networking.
I love working and volunteering with seniors, especially being able to listen to their stories and experience! I’d love to chat more about it 🙂
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Antoniya Z.
|Minneapolis, MN
$25-25/hr
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7 yrs exp
•
22 yrs old
Fun Sitter With Healthcare Background
My name is Toni, I just graduated from St. Olaf College where I studied Biology/Neuroscience. I am now taking a gap year before going to medical school. I have 7 years of experience working with children. I can help with Travel (I have a car) , Grocery Shopping, House Keeping, doing a bunch of activities with the kiddos, and helping with any academic materials. I have experience working as an emergency medical technician, senior dementia care, and was also a swim instructor for multiple years. I look forward to getting to know you!
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Sarah C.|Saint Paul, MN
$15-25/hr
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10 yrs exp
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27 yrs old
Fun, Creative And Energetic Sitter!
Responds within a day
I have many years experience in child care of all ages. I have been a teacher in France for the last three years and just recently relocated back to MN where I am from. I love doing art, being outside and have lots of energy and creative ideas.
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Clare F.|Wilmette, IL
$16-20/hr
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3 yrs exp
•
26 yrs old
Clare
Hello! I recently moved from Minnesota to Wilmette Il to start a speech language pathology masters program at Northwestern University. I worked as a nanny over the summer during undergrad. I am also the oldest in my family, so I have lots of experience caring for children of all ages. After my undergraduate program, I worked as a clinical assistant supervisor to gain healthcare experience prior to starting grad school. Along with caring for your child, I am open to helping with homework, cooking, and pick up/drop off, etc. Due to my varying school schedule, I am looking to be an occasional sitter, perfect for date nights.
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Asmae B.|Saint Paul, MN
$16-25/hr
Hi there! My name is Asmae and I live in Eagan. My strengths are discipline and efficiency. I’m a detail-oriented housekeeper and home-organizer with more than two years of experience performing daily housekeeping operations, including maintaining optimal cleanliness, client service and product-quality standards.
My work is done with a lot of care. I work best with a checklist/to-do list. My schedule is pretty flexible as of right now, so feel free to reach out!
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Megan D.|San Diego, CA
$21-28/hr
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5 yrs exp
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26 yrs old
Flexible Child Care Provider And Tutor
Hi! I am a reliable and personable 25yo female seeking work as a part-time nanny and tutor. I currently work as a research coordinator at a neurodevelopmental disorders lab and plan to pursue graduate education in psychology. I have several years experience working with kids of all ages and in many capacities: past jobs include a tennis coach and cabin counselors for autistic kids and teens, as well as 3 years as a reading & math tutor at an after-school care program. In working with children and families, I value communication, organization, and embracing the humor in life!
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Adrienne B.
|Fort Collins, CO
$20-35/hr
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5 yrs exp
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24 yrs old
Extensive Experience In Caregiving Roles!
I am an empathetic, kind, patient, and FUN person who is passionate about providing excellent care to those I serve 🙂
I have done extensive work in caregiving fields, including:
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– Serving as a member and then president of Assisted Living Volunteer Group for 4 years
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|Greenwood, IN
$12-17/hr
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25 yrs old
Hi My Name Is Lauren!
Lauren is a fun-loving, bilingual babysitter who loves kids. She has over 5 years of experience taking care of children anywhere between 3 and 14. When she’s with them she loves taking them to parks, playing games, watching movies, or baking their favorite treats.
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Lukas L.|Salt Lake City, UT
$30-50/hr
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24 yrs old
Tutor -> Youth Minister -> Wall Street Analyst -> Tutor
Hello! I am a 22-year-old Wall Street analyst looking to return to my roots: helping youth. In college, I worked as a writing tutor and youth ministry coordinator. A sudden career change led me to work for an investment bank, but I’ve recently been looking for opportunities to reenter the education sector.
I worked as a college writing tutor for three years, and my finance career has supplemented my liberal arts education, particularly in mathematics. I also love working with youth! I’ve helped educate young people in kindergarten, high school, and everywhere in between, and I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed working with every age group and demographic.
I also ran track and cross country in college; if you want to talk sports, hit me up 🙂
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Elizabeth T.|New York, NY
$16-26/hr
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5 yrs exp
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24 yrs old
Hi Families! I am an experienced nanny and tutor who has worked with a wide variety of children from varying age groups. I have recently graduated from college where I worked as a tutor while getting my degree. I am looking to gain more experience working with children as I prepare for a career as an educator. I am creative, flexible, and energetic, so If you have playful kids who need someone to keep up, I am your girl!
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9000 6 380
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90 000 Travel and single tickets will rise in price again
“It was one of the best ideas that could come in head,” said Chancellor Olaf Scholz about a ticket for all public transport in Germany for 9 euros a month.
At the end of August, the ticket expires, and in the fall and winter, prices for trams, buses, trains and subways will rise – and not only because of the end of the federal “bounty”. The association of German transport companies VDV calculated that 21 million tickets were sold in June, and 17 million in July. Statistics found that there were fewer traffic jams in large cities in Germany during these months.
Scholz has already described the results of using the ticket as a success, as discounts have helped to demonstrate the possibilities of public transport and identify weaknesses. The Chancellor has promised that the ticket will be continued in one form or another, and Transport Minister Volker Wissing is now consulting with the Länder on this matter. According to Berlin, the tariff system in Germany is too complicated – more uniform rules are needed and fewer regional transport companies with their own prices, requirements and restrictions. A specific promise that the validity of the ticket for 9the euro will be extended, the Chancellor did not give.
The Greens have developed a whole concept that provides for the emergence of a regional pass for 29 euros and valid throughout the country for 49 euros. It is proposed to finance them by abolishing privileges in the taxation of official cars that are provided to enterprises – at the same time, this will also reduce carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. Earlier, Finance Minister Christian Lindner ruled out that the government would allocate any more funds to the project in addition to the already spent 2.5 billion euros. There is no money for such purposes, and the desire to have cheap public transport, according to Lindner, is a manifestation of “the desire to get everything for free, following the example of an unconditional basic income.”
The head of the Ministry of Finance recalled that every euro allocated for an artificially cheaper ticket was taken from the pocket of those who do not have a railway station nearby and who have no other option than to use a car.
However, assistance was also provided to these categories of citizens – for the same three summer months, the state subsidized discounts on gasoline and diesel fuel by reducing the tax on them. This decision had severe critics, who believed that in this way the state helps not only those who really need support, but also those who are well provided for. Now both those and other indulgences are expiring. Car owners will once again experience a price shock at gas stations, and public transport passengers will experience all the delights of a tariff policy that knows no concessions.
Consumer advocates insist that the 9-euro ticket needs to be continued. Those who have managed to get used to it will be severely disappointed in the autumn – the cost of using public transport will rise sharply, due, among other things, to rising energy prices. From September, for the same 9 euros, many transport companies will only be able to buy a day ticket. It is expected not just a return to the usual tariffs, but their increase in autumn or winter.
There are more than 120 transport associations and companies in Germany with their own extensive tariff system. A survey of large enterprises conducted by dpa showed that the majority are planning an increase in ticket prices or have already decided on new, higher fares. For example, prices for public transport in Stuttgart will increase by 4.9 from January% is lower than the increase in costs, the local transport company VVS emphasizes. Since March, its young customers can purchase an annual ticket for all types of transport for 365 euros, but this is the maximum discount that the company can provide on its own. “We are not the only ones now facing serious financial problems due to the galloping growth in energy prices,” VVS says. Additional budgetary funds are needed at least to maintain the existing offer, regardless of the new cheap ticket.
RMV, the transport association of the Rhine-Main region (Frankfurt, Wiesbaden and many neighboring cities), increased fares by 3.9% back in July.
In Nuremberg, tickets will rise in price by 3% from the new year, and the planned annual ticket for 365 euros will not appear – the city does not have enough funds to finance it. The Munich company MVG will also increase its tariffs, by how much is still unknown. The transport association of Berlin and Brandenburg VBB is likely to raise prices by 5.6% from 2023 – they plan to focus on a certain index that takes into account the growth in consumer prices, the cost of fuel and electricity, which will become an important, but not the only criterion when calculating new tariffs.
More optimistic news came from North Rhine-Westphalia, where there will be its own, albeit significantly reduced, continuation of the ticket for 9 euros. Subscription holders will be able to use them not only within their city and transport company, but throughout the world – but only on weekends and holidays in September and October. Local companies are ready to continue the operation of a single cheap ticket – provided that again someone fully bears all the expenses.
“The first priority for regional transport companies is to be able to make ends meet,” says VRS, which serves Cologne, Bonn and the surrounding area.
Not the cancellation of the ticket for 9 euros, but more important long-term factors – fuel, energy, wage growth – will lead to an increase in tariffs. An almost universal rise in prices for buses and subways was fearfully expected even before the artificially cheap ticket came into force. Transport companies usually change rates every year or every few years, and now they simply cannot cope with their own growing costs for fuel, maintenance and personnel. Transport Minister Wissing said that the government, which took full responsibility for the costs of 9-euro ticket, may consider further financing of any regional or state transport programs only if the states themselves agree to take part in their payment. It is expected that in October a working group of representatives from the center and the states will make the first proposals on the prospects for the development of public transport in Germany and the future pricing policy.
