Anyone who has attended a university, community college or a private school may know that the tuition fee can be exorbitant. For many students, tuition and student fees can cause financial struggle. 

The pride and joy that comes from earning a degree is great. But the idea of supporting the university 100 percent by buying all sorts of clothing, accessories and home decor at such a markup at the Kennel Bookstore and The Bulldog Shop is outrageous. 

However, that does not stop many students from supporting their university, and sporting the school’s logo, even if that means regularly purchasing a new sweatshirt, shirt, shorts or other paraphernalia.

Have you ever thought that the merchandise you find at the school’s bookstore is a bit overpriced?

Simply attending a higher education institution is already expensive itself. But why should an item with a school logo pasted on it also be so costly?

Recently, I have been interested in investing in Fresno State merchandise, given the fact that this is my fourth year at Fresno State. I have finally made up my mind that I would like to support the university as much as I can. 

Fresno State is a great school, recognized by the opportunities that it gives its students. Who would not want to support their school? 

I have looked into different websites, including the Kennel Bookstore and other stores, such as Walmart to take a look and compare their prices. 

There is a website called Fanatics that has merchandise for National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball (MLB), National Basketball Association (NBA), but also universities that offer anything from a clothing item to a phone case. 

The website always seems to have sales and shipping discounts. For example, a Nike brand long-sleeved shirt with a big Bulldog logo costs $10 less than the Kennel Bookstore price, which is $42.99. 

Any sale prices are better than the regular prices. So why are Fresno State students paying extra to support their own school?