Why do transcripts cost $5.00?
The $5 charge is actually nominal in relation to the actual cost of the service. Costs associated with the production of transcripts include not only the cost of printing the individual document, but also the cost for both equipment and personnel to maintain a system of records containing information on thousands of individuals. The University receives numerous requests for records from this system each year and accuracy is an absolute requirement. Also note that much of the benefit of the transcript system goes to alumni rather than to current students and that use of the system varies greatly from one individual to another. By having a fee of $5, the actual users of the service are being asked to absorb a larger share of its total cost, while the University continues to provide a subsidy. Prior to 1996, transcript fees had not been raised since 1981, when the fee was raised from $1 to $2. In reviewing this charge, the University considered fees in effect at similar institutions. Whil
