The UM System Board of Curators unanimously voted to increase in-state tuition 3 percent and out-of-state tuition 7.5 percent to cover inflation.
Let’s say this up front: Yes, a tuition increase, to put it frankly, sucks. However, in these economic times, with our university facing a $47.1 million budget gap, and funding cuts for higher education by 7.8 percent, the tuition increases are a necessity.
Tuition increases are a way for MU to generate funding, and though they’re not the most popular option, they are a viable option , especially when tuition increases could be much worse. Compared to other state schools, MU is generally affordable. According to the news release, for the past five years, UM System annual tuition increases have averaged 2.7 percent, compared with an average of 6.2 percent in surrounding states. We’re also $1,194 below the average tuition of other Southeastern Conference schools, according to a UM System presentation.
Let us just reiterate the fact we don’t like the tuition increase, but we understand it. There is one issue, however.
MU has raised its efforts to increase recruitment of out-of-state students and the benefits that come with them — such as an expanded and improved national reputation, more diverse ideas and backgrounds and money in the form of tuition payments. Yet the tuition increase could drive away out-of-state students, which will eliminate those listed benefits. The out-of-state tuition increase is approximately $1,600 per year, and when compiled with the costs of living arrangements and transportation, that is a lot of money.
The decision to pursue increased out-of-state enrollment and the decision to increase tuition are made by separate entities, one being MU officials and the other being system-wide officials. In this case, the interests of both conflict.
Our university being a constituent of the Board of Curators, MU officials should increase communication with the board to bridge the separation, make MU’s interests known and avoid future conflicts or setbacks.
Since the decision is irreversible at this point, out-of-state students do need to be aware they can become in-state students within a year through a relatively easy process. As long as our tuition increases are used to sustain and improve our university, we’ll bear the price. For the future, though, tuition increases should not become a trend; otherwise, MU will see the consequences of decreased enrollment due to price and not admission standards. If it is necessary for the system’s tuition to increase, officials need to ensure MU has a voice to preserve the interests of the university and its students.