LIVINGSTON, Ala. (AP) - The University of West Alabama will have a tuition increase for the fall.
Board of trustees approved the 4.5 percent increase to address anticipated increases in operating expenses in the upcoming fiscal year, the Tuscaloosa News (https://bit.ly/2sjQdet) reported. The annual rates for undergraduate tuition for Alabama residents at the college would increase annually by about $327 to $7,613 and for non-residents by $655 to $15,227.
“It just cost more to educate people, and we are not getting increases in state funding. It is level and frankly we are thankful,” said trustee Sheila Cloud, who chairs the finance committee.
The annual rates for graduate students would increase by about $263 for residents and $454 for students from out of state.
An appropriation of $16.1 million in state funds was approved for operations and maintenance during the regular session. The board approved last year a 2 percent tuition increase and a 3 percent raise for employees as part of the 2016-2017 operating budget.
The trustees approved an operating budget of $53.1 million for the fiscal year beginning in October. It will include the tuition increase and no raises for staff and faculty other than increases as a result of promotions, longevity or increased credentials.
The budget includes $25.8 million for salaries, $12.6 million for fixed expenses such as benefits and insurance and $14.7 for other operating expenses.
A “bare bones” increase was recommended by the administration to balance the budget and keep the cost of tuition as low as possible, said UWA president Ken Tucker.
Trustee Terry Bunn said the higher rate would provide some security as a reserve in the event of unanticipated expenses or cost overruns.
“We need to adjust this tuition increase based on what is best for the school, not where we rank,” Bunn said.
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