Tuition up, aid down, work study out
Ashley Stewart
Issue date: 2/26/10 Section: News
Students at both two and four year in state colleges are expected to see a rise in tuition and a possible reduction in financial aid funds.
In 2009, the State Legislature authorized an increase of up to 14 percent for four year institutions, and seven percent for community and technical colleges. Tuition rates for the upcoming school year are set to increase by the same percentages, if not more.
At this time, the State Legislature sets tuition rates for both two and four year institutions. Two bills are making their way through the Legislative process that may change this policy.
"Beginning with the 2011-2012 academic year, reductions or increases in full time tuition fees…shall be determined annually by the governing boards of state universities," stated within bills SB 6562 and HB 2946.
If passed, university tuition rates could increase by more than the 14 percent set by the legislature, as institutions attempt to make up for a reduction in state allocations.
"In the current economic environment, for the foreseeable future, having the authority to set tuition closer to cost is the only mechanism available to continue the growth an expansion of our campus," said Mike Wark, UW Tacoma.
Higher education also faces a potential reduction in financial aid funds, making it more difficult for student to pay rising
the tuition rates.
Governor Gregoire's December budget proposed a $170 million reduction in state financial aid, amounting to a total cut of $61.2 million for state and community colleges.
The cut "would force students to take fewer classes, work more, borrow more, or even drop out of college altogether," wrote Chris Reykdal, Washington State Board of Community & Technical Colleges, in a financial aid one-pager.
Gregoire's initial budget proposal would also have reduced the State Need Grant by $51.6 million for community and technical colleges. However, Gregoire issued a revised proposal this month which would maintain current funding levels for the State Need Grant.
Last year alone, 3,500 community and technical college students were employed through the State Work Study program. The financial aid loss would suspend this program, according to the December budget proposal.
"For many, this could mean the difference between staying in college or being forced to drop out," said the one-pager.
The legislative session that will decide these matters concludes on March 11.
In 2009, the State Legislature authorized an increase of up to 14 percent for four year institutions, and seven percent for community and technical colleges. Tuition rates for the upcoming school year are set to increase by the same percentages, if not more.
At this time, the State Legislature sets tuition rates for both two and four year institutions. Two bills are making their way through the Legislative process that may change this policy.
"Beginning with the 2011-2012 academic year, reductions or increases in full time tuition fees…shall be determined annually by the governing boards of state universities," stated within bills SB 6562 and HB 2946.
If passed, university tuition rates could increase by more than the 14 percent set by the legislature, as institutions attempt to make up for a reduction in state allocations.
"In the current economic environment, for the foreseeable future, having the authority to set tuition closer to cost is the only mechanism available to continue the growth an expansion of our campus," said Mike Wark, UW Tacoma.
Higher education also faces a potential reduction in financial aid funds, making it more difficult for student to pay rising
the tuition rates.
Governor Gregoire's December budget proposed a $170 million reduction in state financial aid, amounting to a total cut of $61.2 million for state and community colleges.
The cut "would force students to take fewer classes, work more, borrow more, or even drop out of college altogether," wrote Chris Reykdal, Washington State Board of Community & Technical Colleges, in a financial aid one-pager.
Gregoire's initial budget proposal would also have reduced the State Need Grant by $51.6 million for community and technical colleges. However, Gregoire issued a revised proposal this month which would maintain current funding levels for the State Need Grant.
Last year alone, 3,500 community and technical college students were employed through the State Work Study program. The financial aid loss would suspend this program, according to the December budget proposal.
"For many, this could mean the difference between staying in college or being forced to drop out," said the one-pager.
The legislative session that will decide these matters concludes on March 11.
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