Bill could affect cost of a UW education
Bill that could give tuition setting control to UW Board of Regents raises concern.
Marisa Petrich
Issue date: 2/2/10 Section: News
In spite of this, state financial aid programs will likely experience heavy cuts next year. The fear is that this would price many students out of higher education entirely and raise the number of those depending on loans to finance their education, increasing debt and ultimately damaging the economy even more.
Additionally, the 75th percentile rule would not necessarily curb steep rises in tuition if schools in the global challenge states also raise their fees. That condition keeps tuition at a reasonable rate only when compared to similar institutions, but if all those institutions get more expensive UW could rise to meet them.
Wheeler and Bauer feel that, rather than use students as an unofficial rainy day fund and raise tuition to make up for the deficit, the state should focus on finding new sources of revenue. This would increase funding for programs and, just as important, keep elected officials in control of tuition.
In the past, the Board of Regents has consistently raised tuition to the maximum allowed by the state-and those funds haven't been used entirely for the benefit of the students.
"We don't really think you're spending your money wisely now, so if we give you more money what would happen?" Bauer said, referencing UW President Mark Emmert's $906,500 annual compensation. Emmert is the second highest paid President of a public university in the country, and receives an additional $340,000 each year in cash and stock from other corporate boards.
However, in many cases the university had to raise tuition the full amount in order to maintain its operating budget. When the Legislature creates the budget, it often factors in tuition hikes before funding universities. If the Regents hadn't raised tuition the maximum amount, the university would essentially take a cut.
This example reflects a larger trend of shrinking state subsidies for higher education. In fact, this is the first year students are paying more for their education than the state.
Additionally, the 75th percentile rule would not necessarily curb steep rises in tuition if schools in the global challenge states also raise their fees. That condition keeps tuition at a reasonable rate only when compared to similar institutions, but if all those institutions get more expensive UW could rise to meet them.
Wheeler and Bauer feel that, rather than use students as an unofficial rainy day fund and raise tuition to make up for the deficit, the state should focus on finding new sources of revenue. This would increase funding for programs and, just as important, keep elected officials in control of tuition.
In the past, the Board of Regents has consistently raised tuition to the maximum allowed by the state-and those funds haven't been used entirely for the benefit of the students.
"We don't really think you're spending your money wisely now, so if we give you more money what would happen?" Bauer said, referencing UW President Mark Emmert's $906,500 annual compensation. Emmert is the second highest paid President of a public university in the country, and receives an additional $340,000 each year in cash and stock from other corporate boards.
However, in many cases the university had to raise tuition the full amount in order to maintain its operating budget. When the Legislature creates the budget, it often factors in tuition hikes before funding universities. If the Regents hadn't raised tuition the maximum amount, the university would essentially take a cut.
This example reflects a larger trend of shrinking state subsidies for higher education. In fact, this is the first year students are paying more for their education than the state.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
pikatje1
posted 2/10/10 @ 7:29 AM PST
I think that some students will be discouraged to study, because of the lack of money. This bill actually is a big blow for students who earn their money very hard. (Continued…)
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