Views expressed in opinion columns are the author’s own.
With college costs increasing, students at the University of Maryland face the challenge of stretching every dollar. President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs could make this more complicated, raising the prices of essentials many students rely on to make ends meet. While these tariffs are designed to protect American jobs by making imported goods more expensive, they may instead leave college students paying more for everyday necessities.
Trump’s proposed tariffs primarily focus on China, but include a universal tariff of 10 to 20 percent on most foreign goods and upwards of 60 percent on some Chinese imports. The goal is to make foreign goods less competitive, supposedly encouraging consumers to buy American products and protect domestic industries.
But the economic reality is more complicated. When tariffs increase costs for importers, they are usually passed on to consumers. For students already balancing tuition, fees and living expenses, these tariffs could further shrink their pockets.
College students are already struggling with the increasing costs of attending university. The anticipated increase on commonly purchased goods will not only put a financial strain on students, but also parents who support their children. As students, we need to push against these policies. They jeopardize many Americans’ hope for an education, preventing them from being able to afford school.
A recent study suggests these proposed tariffs could raise annual taxes for the average American household by as much as $3,000. Students, who often buy goods made overseas, are especially vulnerable to these potential price hikes. Many students buy laptops, phones and other essential devices from brands that manufacture outside the country.
Electronics for schoolwork, groceries and clothes could all get more expensive, spreading student spending budgets thin. Affordable platforms such as Amazon, which students heavily rely on, could expect price increases, considering many are produced in China. Across-the-board tariffs such as these could even trigger inflation, compounding students’ financial concerns by making a range of goods and services costlier.
Students living off campus already contend with high rent prices. A modest one-bedroom in College Park can cost more than $1,500 a month. Additional costs from tariffs would make basics such as food, cleaning supplies and personal care items more expensive too. For those relying on part-time wages, scholarships or financial aid, the prospect of paying more for essentials could make college affordability feel out of reach.
Beyond rising costs, these tariffs may also impact the broader economy in ways that affect students’ future job prospects. While the tariffs intend to protect U.S. jobs, economists argue they might threaten sectors that rely on affordable imported goods, such as retail and tech. Companies that depend on imported materials, for instance, may see increased production costs that could lead to layoffs or decreased hiring. This potential downturn could make it tougher for students entering the workforce.
Since the 1990s, there has been a rise in globalized trade, bringing cheap imports that have helped lower the cost of many goods. But that could change. If there is one thing the Chicken Tax has taught us, it’s that tariffs do not usually work for most Americans. Recent administrations have tried to wage trade wars against China at the cost of Americans’ hard earned dollars, ultimately leaving college students more broke than they already are.
As constituents, we must remind elected leaders why tariffs do not work based on lessons evident in our history. Write to your representatives to express your opposition to tariffs that would increase financial burdens on students and families. Share your stories about how these changes could impact your ability to afford your education and emphasize the importance of keeping higher education accessible.
Anderson Lemus-Del Cid is a senior government and politics and philosophy major. He can be reached at alemus02@terpmail.umd.edu.
