EMU raises tuition 7.7 percent

MCT

Students returning to Eastern Michigan this fall will find their tuition bill a little higher than it was last year.

The Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents approved a 7.7 percent tuition increase Wednesday morning at their monthly meeting.

In addition to the increase, the Board of Regents also implemented a 5.15 percent increase for on-campus housing and a 5.9 percent increase for meal plans this fall.

Tuition increases have already been implemented at several Michigan universities this summer and have varied widely. Saginaw Valley State University will see an increase of 3.7 percent in the fall. Students at Grand Valley State will have to pay 13.2 percent more this fall than they did last fall.

To offset the planned tuition increase, the university is offering more money to students through financial aid. The university has increased its financial aid budget by 2 million dollars--a 10 percent increase compared to last year, totaling 23.6 million dollars.

"An investment in EMU is an investment in Michigan's future," said President Sue Martin in a press release. "This is why we felt it was extremely important to increase student financial aid, especially in this economic environment."

An in-state undergraduate enrolled in 30 credit hours over the fall and winter semesters can expect to pay $8,069 according to a report released by the university. Last year, the same 30 credit hours would have cost $7,490. Full-time resident graduate students will pay $10,600 for 16 credit hours.

In addition to a per credit hour increase of $16.50, in-state undergraduates will also see an increase in several mandatory fees. Those graduating in December will have to pay $5 more compared to last year. Fees for summer orientation, student teaching, and program fees were also increased.

EMU Student Government President Adam Slingwein had a mixed reaction to the increase in tuition and fees.

"Tuition increases are never fun; they're never comfortable," Slingwein said.

However, he also noted that the increase was in line with rising fuel costs and inflation.

"It's something that had to be done," Slingwein said. "We can't go forward if we're working with less."

Of the 7.7 percent increase, 6.8 percent will be used for operating purposes and the remaining .9 percent will be used for infrastructure and building improvements. The total tuition increase is expected to bring in $7.2 million dollars.

In addition to passing the tuition increase, the Board of Regents also passed the 2008-2009 operating budget. The university will operate on a budget of $262 million dollars for the upcoming fiscal year.