The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education’s (PASSHE) Board of Governor’s voted to increase tuition by $181 for the 2008-09 academic year, with the increase remaining below inflation for the fourth year in a row.
According to Kenneth Dearstyne, associate vice president of finance and administration, the 3.5 percent increase was due to inflation concerns, compensation and benefit expansions, healthcare benefits, and the increased cost of utilities.
“We anticipated a three to four percent increase at the beginning of the budget process,” Dearstyne said.
Despite inflation pressures, PASSHE has kept tuition increases at a third to half of the cost of the national average for state funded universities.
All state owned universities, including Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Shippensburg and Slippery Rock Universities, have had the same increase in tuition.
“No other state can boast that,” Kenn Marshall, PASSHE media relations manager said.
“It’s to be expected,” Junior Andrew Beaver said. “As long as it’s below inflation I don’t think it matters.”
Student technology fees have also been raised from $175 to $181.
“Technology increases will go directly toward improving technology in the classroom,” Dearstyne said.
“I cannot complain about tuition rates at this school,” Junior Kelsie Bicking said. “I transferred here from a school where I?paid $30,000 a year.”
Data obtained from collegeboard.com
The PASSHE Board of Governors will meet Oct. 23 to approve an approximate budget for next year.
“With the difficult economy, it’s a very tight budget,” Marshall said.
A finalized budget of nearly $1.4 billion was approved for the 2008-09 academic year.
A three percent increase from the Commonwealth raised support to $498.5 million to support PASSHE’s basic operations for the year.
The State System will receive an additional $21 million to fund performance funding, diversity programs and teacher excellence.
According to PASSHE, the board approved $10 million to go toward special funding to support an eight year-old performance funding program.
The program has rewarded universities for demonstrating success and improvement in student achievement, university excellence and operational efficiency.
The program has helped boost both graduation and student retention rates throughout state universities.
According to PASSHE, the total cost for a resident student who resides on campus during the 2008-09 academic year, including tuition, fees, room and board, will average $13,000.
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