Tuition increase approved by trustees
July 16, 2003
KALAMAZOO -- Acting at its July 16 meeting, the Western Michigan University Board of Trustees approved a per-semester increase of $305 in tuition and required fees that will be implemented this fall, as part of a comprehensive plan to deal with an expected budget shortfall of $34.8 million.
"We view increased tuition as a last resort, because of the burden it creates for our students and their families," said WMU President Judith I. Bailey. "However, with the proposed budget reduction from the state and the cost increases we are facing, this university, like every other university in Michigan, has little choice but to cut costs and increase tuition."
Bailey went on to say that, even with the increase, the University's costs will continue to rank only eighth among the state's 15 public universities, even though WMU is one of Michigan's four largest, most-complex and highly regarded research institutions. She also noted that the 2003-04 budget, also approved July 16, calls for setting aside additional funds for student financial aid, so that for the neediest students, the increase will be offset by increased financial aid.
The new tuition and fee schedule means that for the 2003-04 academic year, a full-time, in-state undergraduate will pay $5,535 in tuition and fees for the state average course load of 30 credit hours. For the 2002-03 academic year, that figure was $4,924. Out-of-state and graduate students will see the same 12.4 percent increase.
Visit the Registrar's Office Web site for a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for undergraduate, graduate, resident and non-resident students.
Media contact: Matt Kurz, 269 387-8400, matt.kurz@wmich.edu