Final answer:
The required journal entry to record the transaction of collecting tuition and fees in advance is a debit to Unearned Revenue for $50,000 and a credit to Tuition and Fees for $50,000.
Step-by-step explanation:
The required journal entry to record the transaction of collecting tuition and fees in advance is as follows:
Debit - Unearned Revenue: $50,000
Credit - Tuition and Fees: $50,000
By recording this entry, Southeastern University acknowledges the receipt of $50,000 but defers recognizing it as revenue until the classes are held in the following fiscal year. At that time, the unearned revenue will be recognized as earned revenue.