Middle-Class Family Strategies in Dealing with Higher Education Costs

Strategi Keluarga Middle Class dalam Menghadapi Biaya Pendidikan Perguruan Tinggi

Abstract

The rising cost of higher education in Indonesia puts pressure on middle-class families who are relatively stable economically but remain vulnerable to changes in financial conditions. This study aims to analyze the strategies of middle-class families in dealing with the cost of higher education and to identify the obstacles they face in accessing educational assistance. This study uses a qualitative approach with a case study design. Data collection was conducted through interviews and observations of parents and students as research informants. The results show that middle-class families implement various strategies to finance higher education, such as prioritizing public universities, managing family finances through savings and reducing non-essential expenses, utilizing severance pay, accessing cooperative loans, and selling productive assets. Higher education is viewed as a long-term investment for families. However, families still face various obstacles, such as increases in tuition fees, additional education costs, limited transparency in determining UKT, and limited access to scholarships. This study reveals that middle-class families are a relatively neglected group in higher education financing policies, as they are not included in the priority groups for financial aid, yet they continue to face significant economic pressures.