Tuition Facts and Response

Tuition rates are divided into two categories, 1^st and 2^nd tiers. First tier tuition rates are set by the board of regents and uniformly apply to all USHE institutions. Second tier tuition rates are determined on an institutional basis. Uniform budget cuts affect both tuition rates; however, because of each institution’s need and discretion, the impacts of budget cuts on student tuition rates are disproportionately distributed. Under such contexts, the Utah Student Association provides the following general tuition information:

• Student tuition and fees pay for 35% of total expenditures on higher education in Utah up from 28% ten years ago.
• State funds pay for 61% of total expenditures for higher education, down from 71% ten years prior.
• Average* tuition and fees has risen 7.59% in the last year to $3,715.

Students prefer that revenues from increases in tuition rates would be used for increased services, additional course offerings, or decreasing student-to-faculty ratios; however, it is more is likely that the budget cuts for FY 2011 would result in the opposite. Therefore, while tuition increases will most likely come as result of FY 2011 budget shortfalls, students do not support carrying a majority of the burden. As Commissioner Sederburg states in his Jan 19, 2010 letter to the Higher Ed. Appropriations Subcommittee:

“We hear and understand that many legislators are reluctant to raise taxes or even user-fees during these economic times; it is important to realize that significant tuition increases are like a large tax increase to students and their families.”

Large increases in tuition will hinder access for new and current students, and decreased course offerings will postpone graduation dates. In the long term, Utah’s best interests are served by keeping higher education in Utah affordable and competitive. Though an effective short term fix, drastic tuition increases will likely have undesirable long-term consequences on student access and quality. The Utah Student Association hopes that the legislature, the institutions, and their students can come through this difficult time with increased partnership, greater confidence, and mutual understanding.