Inflation has affected multiple aspects campus life on Brophy, such as the tuition, and other events the school holds.
Brophy’s tuition increased from $17,500 to $21,000 this year, a $3,500 jump that represents a 20% increase. To put this in perspective, typical annual inflation rates hover around 2% to 3%, making this increase significantly higher than general economic trends.
This inflation increase affects all Brophy families and has been a shock to many. In years prior, tuition has been steadily increasing at a 3% to 5% rate.
Jill Zimmerman, Vice President of Finance and Operations, says that the significant tuition increase was Brophy “catching up” after absorbing inflation costs since 2022.
“That inflation kind of accumulates, right? We needed to catch up a little bit in tuition” said Mrs. Zimmerman
Mrs. Zimmerman also mentioned that inflation on tuition has not affected enrollment rates at Brophy, because of programs such as the Empowerment Scholarship Account giving money for students enrolling into private school in Arizona.
Mrs. Zimmerman also mentioned how the school has very high admissions interest levels, and an around 55% acceptance rate, which is another reason why enrollment rates are not affected.
According to Mrs. Zimmerman, in the future, if inflation moderates, tuition will continue to increase regularly at a rate of 3-5%, but the biggest expense at Brophy is the people cost.
“The biggest expense we incur every year is people cost. And so even if inflation on like goods and supplies lessens, we still need to provide a reasonable wage increase for the 400 people who work here every year.”
Other events, such as school dances, and games, have also been impacted by inflation.
According to Mr. Tony Oldani, the director of scheduling, and an economics teacher, inflation has affected school dance ticket prices through the prices of vendors such as DJ’s, inflatables, and food trucks going up.
Mrs. Zimmerman also mentioned that the school will sometimes absorb the inflation cost of vendors, so that the tickets remain a reasonable price.
