Gas prices in Louisiana have climbed to an average of $4.14 per gallon over the past year, making it more expensive for Loyola University New Orleans students to get to campus and, for some, changing how often they choose to be there.
The increase, reported in recent data from the American Automobile Association and the U.S. Energy Information Administration, reflects a steady rise tied to inflation, global oil markets and supply disruptions. But for Loyola commuters, those national trends show up in a much more personal way, weekly gas totals, longer commutes and tighter budgets.
Carlos Andrade, a sophomore biology pre-health major who commutes from Chalmette and Maroon social media manager, said he has watched his gas costs rise in real time.
“I’ve seen my gas go from like $30 or $35 to $42, and the other day it was $52,” Andrade said. “I don’t really know what’s happening, but it’s getting crazy out here.”
Andrade drives about 14 miles each way to campus five days a week. While he said he still comes to class because he has to, higher gas prices are starting to affect the choices he can control.
“If I had the choice to come to campus or not, I’d probably choose not to go just to save gas,” Andrade said.
That tradeoff, between saving money and being on campus, is becoming more common as prices stay high. According to AAA and the U.S. Energy Information Administration, gas prices have steadily increased over time due to changes in crude oil prices, global demand and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
For commuters, the impact goes beyond just money. Andrade said driving to campus adds stress to his day, especially when combined with unpredictable traffic and rising costs.
“You get less sleep because you have to leave earlier, and then gas is high, so it’s just something else you have to worry about,” he said.
Gabriella Pavon, a sophomore psychology major who commutes from Kenner, said the cost of gas has doubled compared to what she used to pay.
“I miss the days where I could fill up for $25,” Pavon said. “Now it’s anywhere from like $45 to $55, and it’s insane.”
Pavon, who drives about 15 to 17 miles each way to campus, said rising gas prices now factor into everyday decisions, even outside of class.
“Gas is something I really take into consideration now,” she said. “Even if it’s just to hang out with a friend, I don’t really have the money to just be blowing my gas for no reason.”
She added that commuting itself has become more stressful over time.
“I have to wake up at least an hour before my class because traffic can take 45 minutes to an hour,” Pavon said. “It’s stressful because you’re worried about being late, and you’re constantly dealing with traffic.”
Pavon said the impact goes beyond school and affects her daily life.
“Sometimes I want to go to something, but I’ll look at my tank and be like, I don’t really have the money right now,” Pavon said. “It’s not even about if I want to go anymore, it’s about if I can afford the gas.”
Students who live closer to campus experience rising gas prices differently, but still feel the impact in their daily routines.
Madison Kearns, an international business and marketing senior at Loyola, said even with a shorter commute, gas costs still add up over time, especially when balancing school, work and other responsibilities.
“Even if you’re not driving far every day, it still catches up to you,” Kearns said. “You don’t really realize how much you’re spending until you have to keep filling up.”
Kearns said rising prices have made her more aware of how often she chooses to drive.
“I definitely think twice now before going somewhere,” she said. “It makes you plan your days more and cut back on extra trips.”
The data for this story combines national fuel price reports from AAA and the EIA with interviews from Loyola students about their commuting habits, gas spending and daily routines. Together, the data and interviews show how a national economic trend is shaping the everyday college experience.
As prices remain high, some students are adjusting by limiting extra trips, budgeting more carefully or thinking about moving closer to campus.
But for many commuters, the impact goes beyond budgeting, it changes how they experience college day to day.
“Like, how are you supposed to enjoy your life and be like, ‘yeah, I’m going to come to your event,’ when you’re worried about gas?” Pavon said. “You end up not going because of it.”
