Maximum tuition hike approved

In a special meeting last Friday, the UW Board of Regents voted unanimously to increase undergraduate tuition by 12.8 percent over the next two years.

Tuition will go up 6.7 percent this coming academic year and 6.1 percent the following year. This amounts to a total increase of $444 for residents and $1,592 for nonresidents.

The Board of Regents has the final say in how much tuition increases, within the price cap established by the Washington state Legislature. After receiving a budget update from the Office of Planning and Budgeting, the Board of Regents chose the maximum increase allowed.

The last time a tuition increase of this size occurred within a biennium (two-year period) was 1993-95, which saw rates raise by 27.2 percent for undergraduates.

Despite the increase, UW undergraduate tuition is still 15 percent lower than tuition at 24 peer state research institutions such as the University of Virginia and the University of Minnesota. But tuition increases at these institutions have been more moderate, leading to a gradual convergence in tuition rates. Since 1994, the peer institutions have averaged increases in tuition of 4.4 percent, compared to UW's average increase of 5.9 percent.

The Board of Regents also approved a tuition increase of 3.5 percent for graduate students. UW's graduate student tuition is already 10.7 percent above the average $5,131 for residents at the 24 peer institutions.

There will also be a 12.8 percent increase for medical and dental students and a 24 percent increase for law school students over the next two years. The largest increase is for MBA students, who will face a 35 percent tuition increase.

These increases come at a time when the UW is facing large budget deficits. Even with tuition increases, the administration's spending plans will result in an expected $18 million deficit in 2002 according to the Office of Planning and Budgeting. The Board of Regents will finalize that number when it votes on the UW's operating budget July 20.

The budget and planning office will also recommend that the board approve an energy surcharge to raise more revenue. Although the details of the new fee are still being developed, it is expected that students will be charged up to $5 per credit hour on top of tuition.

In addition, the office is exploring the concept of a library fee that may be used in the future.

"We cannot run a deficit for an extended period of time, so we have to have a balanced budget," said Harlon Patterson, vice provost for planning and budgeting.

He added the entire University would have to work as a cohesive whole to put together a stable financial future.

"We must work toward a balanced budget," said Patterson, "but it is going to be a difficult time for the foreseeable future."

Although ASUW President Danica You is not happy with the tuition increase, she understands the UW's need for additional funding. You is less supportive of the additional fees that may be charged to students.

"I am extremely concerned about the additional fees," said You. "These equate to another tuition increase on top of what the Legislature approved."