The Price of an Apartment for a College Student.

The median gross rent is higher in areas surrounding Nashville, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau from 2019 and this creates a struggle for most college students.

As cities and counties around the Nashville area continue to grow, so does the demand for apartments. The prices for apartments are skyrocketing, making it financially difficult or impossible for some college students to pay.

Middle Tennessee State University, which is located in Rutherford County finds their students struggling to find affordable apartments. In Rutherford County which neighbors Nashville, the median price of an apartment is $1147 a month. Many MTSU students attend school full time and are unable to have a job. Having to juggle academics and work is a struggle for many students. Here are two accounts of just how hard it is.

Spencer Higdon is a 20 year old junior business major at MTSU. His apartment is located five minutes away from campus, costing him around $600 a month. He lives with his older brother who is a senior aerospace major. Even though their parents help with the expenses of living in an apartment, the cost of living is still a struggle for them.

According to Spencer, “I work when I can so I can have money for things I need, like food and other neccessatieis.”

Miraha Carman is a 20 year old music business major at MTSU. She lives in an apartment with two other roommates, each paying $580 a month. Miraha is financially independent and is able to pay her bills. She works part-time at a local Starbucks making $13 an hour. She explains how

difficult it is as a student to balance both school and work.

Miraha says, “It does become difficult because I do not want to put my job before school, but I need money to live in Murfreesboro.” She also points out that her wages are not enough to pay for the price of living. She has to budget carefully, and goes without things she would like to have. This includes not getting to purchase healthier foods because of their expense.

Spencer and Miraha are like many other college students who are struggling to go to school and pay for their rent. As the price of rent continues to increase in the middle Tennessee area, college students will continue to face this hardship and many will find themselves in debt, or homeless.