I think part of the challenge is that while the reduced pay aspect is not clearly explained up front, it would not feel like a drawback if there were more consistent and varied RP opportunities outside of classes. Right now, aside from lectures, it is not always obvious how to engage with the wider university setting, and some guidance or examples on how to RP campus life could help a lot.
One thing I have noticed is that the most visible faculty and student interactions sometimes skew toward propositioning, which can feel a bit creepy when that is the main type of RP on offer. Having more non romantic and non predatory avenues such as academic projects, competitions, clubs, and student and faculty collaborations would give players more options and make the setting feel richer and more welcoming.