A graphic showcasing this year’s homecoming concert artists (Courtesy of /@famu1887)

Following last year’s chaotic ticket rollout, Florida A&M University students are expressing widespread frustration over the steep 2026 Homecoming concert prices, which feature an all-Atlanta lineup—including Gunna, Summer Walker, T.I. and Belly Gang Kushington. This year the least expensive tickets start at $154 and the most expensive climb to over $271 as of Oct. 18. 

For a student body already navigating college expenses, the absence of accessible student discounts has left many feeling hesitant. 

When comparing this year’s scale to previous years, many rattlers feel the quality and value have taken a step back.  

“I think last year’s was very much better,” Nakilah McClain, a fourth-year biology pre-med major, said. “This year’s, I’m not like really impressed, the only person I listen to is Summer Walker.”  

Students are also facing a sharp reality check when looking at the numbers side-by-side with last year’s event.  

“Last year I did pay $60…and I had a really good time. They [the artists] were really popular during that year and it wasn’t that expensive, so I’m a little confused on why I have to pay $200 for good seats,” Faith Etienne, a fourth year economics major said. 

Beyond the price tag, structural changes to the venue layout are rubbing upperclassmen the wrong way.  

 “I definitely disagree with the price jump this year, especially with how they’re sectioning off the seating now because last year you were basically able to sit anywhere you wanted unless you paid for floor seats,” Briah Johnson, a fourth-year business administration major, said. 

For seniors trying to squeeze every memory out of their final year at FAMU, the financial strain has forced tough choices.  

“It’s really weird because it’s kind of just like it’s supposed to be affordable for students and a lot of us don’t have jobs or don’t have income,” Etienne said. “And it’s making it difficult for us to be able to enjoy it.” 

Still, Etienne says, the milestone of senior year outweighs the cost.  

“I am going to go because I set money aside for this specifically since it’s my last homecoming,” she says. “So, I want to make sure I attend everything. But if I had another one …  I definitely wouldn’t be going.” 

While the Al Lawson Center is still expected to draw a crowd, the mood among students reflects a deeper disconnection. For a week themed around community and coming home, many rattlers are left wondering if the cost of celebrating is simply getting too high.