High school students are currently thinking about what comes next, whether it’s college, scholarships, or how they will pay for either. But one consideration they and their families may not expect to think about while planning for their future? Tariffs.
While tariffs can seem to be the kind of thing only business people or politicians should care about, they can have an unexpected influence on students and the schools they want to go to. Trade policies from all over the world impact everything from the price of school supplies to how colleges are funded, and those policies could influence the options students have as they enter their futures.
Tariffs are taxes placed on goods that are imported from other countries. When the U.S. government raises tariffs on items like electronics, school supplies, or other materials, the companies selling those goods usually raise their prices. These increases can make everyday essentials like supplies and textbooks more expensive for students and schools alike.
“I noticed that prices for laptops, calculators, and school supplies have gone up,” said Amielle Burog (9). “It can make it tougher to get everything we need for school or college.”
This is especially important as students prepare for college, as tuition can already be overwhelming. If the items students rely on for their education become more expensive, that can directly affect their ability to attend college. Beyond that, colleges themselves could feel the impact of tariffs in bigger ways especially if government funds are redirected.
Many colleges already depend on federal support, research grants, and student programs. If tariffs cause the government to lose income, those resources could be reduced. This might mean fewer scholarships, less financial aid, or higher tuition to make up for the decrease.
“More students are unable to keep up with their pay, especially if they’re financially unstable,” said Kylie Kim (9). “I do believe in some cases it could make it harder for students to prepare for school.”
As the cost of college rises or aid becomes harder to access, students may have to look at other paths. For example, some students may choose to attend community college for a year or two to save money. Others might pick up part time jobs or enter programs that allow them to earn while they learn.
“If college costs increased due to rising expenses or reduced scholarships, I would explore alternative paths such as community college, part-time work, or programs to balance costs and still pursue my goals,” said Alice Diep (9).
While tariffs may not be top of mind for most high schoolers, understanding how the economy affects education could help them better prepare for the future. Rising prices for educational tools and pressure on college funding can affect everything.
“These factors can change our future education and job opportunities,” Burog said.
Even though students don’t control the economy, they can stay informed and educated. Applying early for scholarships, budgeting wisely, and exploring all education paths are all ways students can take charge of their future, even when global events seem out of their control.
In the end, economics isn’t just for politicians. It’s something students are already living with, and something that could shape the next chapter of their lives.
