Average tuition would increase by 3 percent under chancellor recommendation

Average tuition would increase by 3 percent under chancellor recommendation

Average tuition would increase by $114 at two-year colleges and $169 at state universities, under chancellor recommendation. Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Chancellor James H. McCormick is recommending to the Board of Trustees a budget that would hold tuition increases to an average of $114 for undergraduate students at two-year colleges and an average of $169 at state universities for the 2009-2010 academic year.

That means students at the 25 state colleges would pay an average tuition of $4,194, or 2.8 percent more than the current year, while students at the seven state universities would pay an average tuition of $5,791, or 3 percent more. The proposed undergraduate tuition rate includes a one-time discount from federal stimulus funds that lowered tuition rates by an average of $88 across the system.

“We are grateful that the stimulus money helps us hold down the increase for this fall,” Chancellor James H. McCormick said. “In these uncertain economic times, many students and their families are challenged to make ends meet. But we also know higher education is key to retraining laid-off workers and preparing students to succeed in today’s global marketplace.” 

The board will hold a public hearing on the proposed budget and recommended tuition increases from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. June 17 at the system office in St. Paul. The trustees are not expected to act on the proposed budget until their July board meeting. 

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system comprises 32 state universities and community and technical colleges serving the higher education needs of Minnesota. The system serves about 250,000 students per year in credit-based courses and an additional 140,000 students in non-credit courses.