The University Board of Visitors unanimously approved an increase in tuition and fees for the upcoming fall semester Friday.
"There were no other options we could consider, unless we reduced the quality of education and stopped providing the alternative choices students wanted," said William H. Goodwin Jr., chair of the Board's finance committee. "The Board unanimously approved it -- there was really no other alternative."
The tuition for undergraduates will increase by 11.2 percent for in-state students and 6.9 percent for out-of-state students: now, in-state students will pay $5,964 and out-of-state students will pay $21,984.
"The legislature gave us assumptions, the maximum amount of tuition rise," Goodwin said. "We did what the legislature would allow us."
Students in graduate academic departments will pay 22.3 percent more in tuition and fees.
"This increase is higher than in most years," Goodwin said. "Between the state cuts that have occurred in the last 18 months and the midyear tuition surcharge and last year's tuition hike, we had $25-30 million less revenue than we had in previous years."
The tuition increase precedes the approved incremental budget cut of $11.7 million for next year.
Colette Sheehy, vice president of management and budget, said the tuition hike will cover all the budget cuts and the University will not be forced to cut expenses anymore than last year.
"Hopefully, this time next year, we can have a normal tuition increase for the year," Goodwin said.
University Spokesperson Carol Wood said the administration recognizes the impact of the tuition hike on students.
"Administrators are well aware of the burden that this tuition increase may place on some students and their families," Wood said.
Sheehy added that the university will put more money into financial aid.
Other tuition changes at the University include a 6.1 percent hike for out-of-state students in the Law School and a 10.3 percent increase for out-of-state students in the School of Medicine.
Out-of-state academic graduate students will face a 2.3 percent tuition increase next fall.
The Darden Graduate School of Business Administration will raise tuition by 6.1 percent for in-state students and by 5.1 percent for out-of-state students.
Despite the increases, Wood said the in-state tuition last fall was $500 less than it was in 1995.
"We've had 8 years of freezes and tuition roll backs," Wood said. "U.Va. and other state institutions continue to deliver great education at a great price."
The revenue from the tuition increase will amount to $18.7 million. After the $11.7 million budget cut, $4.1 million will go to increasing salary and benefits of employees, $2.3 million will go to graduate programs, $1.5 million will go to undergraduate financial aid and $1.1 million will go to University educational and general utilities and rent.
This plan totals $20.7 million. The University plans to get the remaining $2 million from other sources.
Read More
Students have federal internship offers rescinded due to hiring freeze
By Nina Broderick | 15 hours agoUntil July 15, no presently vacant federal civilian positions may be filled, and no new positions may be created.
Man dies from self-inflicted gunshot wounds at the Rotunda
By Ford McCracken | 19 hours agoThe investigation is ongoing, and additional details are not available at this time.
Virginia primary elections feature contested race for Democratic Lt. Gov. candidate
By Nicolas Biernacki | YesterdayEligible voters can find more information about early voting by consulting the City Department of Voter Registration & Elections website or the County Department of Elections website.
