Need-based aid hike outpaces 2022-23 tuition increase under WMU board-approved plan
KALAMAZOO, Mich.— Under the 2022-23 tuition and financial aid plan approved by the Western Michigan University Board of Trustees Thursday, tuition and required fees for undergraduate and graduate students will increase by 3.85% while need-based aid will rise by 4.27%—or $1 million.
Accounting for about 73% of the University’s $407 million general operating budget, tuition is the major revenue source funding the activities, services and personnel advancing Western’s core mission, including teaching and learning, health center services, library services, public safety and other essentials of the student experience.
“First and foremost, our concern is our students,” says Lynn Chen-Zhang, chair of the board. “In determining tuition and other fees, we balance two imperatives—maintaining a high-quality learning environment and maintaining accessibility.
“We strive to keep attendance as affordable as possible while providing an outstanding educational experience for students. Our students deserve top-tier faculty members to teach them, modern technology to support their learning and comprehensive services to meet their holistic educational needs.”
In addition, this coming academic year, Western students will benefit from the greatest expansion in scholarships in the University’s history, thanks to the initial investments of the Empowering Futures Gift. Combined with institutional aid, these funds bring an unprecedented level of financial support for students, greatly lowering the cost of education for many.
While the state’s appropriation for higher education remains at the proposal stage, the increase approved by trustees Thursday is below tuition cap levels in the funding plans proposed by the governor, House and Senate.
At the new rate, Western is expected to continue to be one of the most affordable of Michigan’s high-research institutions and fall in the middle of the state’s 15 public universities. A newly admitted, full-time Michigan resident first-year student will pay $13,950 in tuition and required fees for the upcoming academic year, an increase of $516.
Housing costs
In a separate action Thursday, the board also approved new housing rates. The University continues its competitive advantage for room-and-board rates in comparison with other Michigan public universities. On-campus apartment rates are comparable to offerings in the surrounding community.
In 2022-23, room-and-board rates will rise 2%. The annual cost for room and board in a traditional residence hall with a 14-meal plan option will be $10,545. Housing costs vary according to room amenities and meal plans students choose.
Under new pricing, rental rates for Stadium Drive Apartments and Western View Apartments will rise 3.75%. Keeping costs in alignment with the surrounding community, a per-person rate for a two-bedroom apartment at Western View will increase $23 per month, while a per-person rate for a two-bedroom apartment at Stadium Drive will increase $16 per month. Arcadia Flats, the newest campus housing complex offering a combination of living styles, will see no rate increases for the 2022-23 academic year. Pricing for this complex has remained the same since it opened in January 2021.
Dr. Diane Anderson, vice president for student affairs, says her staff continues to be “equipped to help students build friendships and community, a sense of belonging, so they are able to get the most out of their collegiate experience.”
By the end of the business day on June 23, 2022-23 tuition and required fees will be available at wmich.edu/registrar/tuition and pricing for housing will be posted at wmich.edu/housing/info/rates.
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