By Scott Harvey
Commerce – Officials at Texas A&M University-Commerce, during two days of public hearings, have outlined a proposed tuition increase for the 2010 academic year.
They're seeking a range of increase from $2.50 per semester credit hour to $25 per semester credit hour.
The actual increase will be dependent upon legislative funding.
As required in any tuition increase, 20% must go toward financial assistance for students. The University's plan would allocate 45% of the proposed increase toward financial aid. The remainder to go toward replacing the current course fee structure; providing additional funds for the increased cost of operations, additional funding for minimum wage increases to state employees and support faculty/staff salary merit increases.
The proposed increase stems from rising costs, and shrinking state support.
The fall 2008 average tuition at A&M-Commerce ranked second lowest within the A&M System at $2,585, and the lowest among area competing universities. The projected increase in cost per semester credit hour would bring the tuition total to around $2,800. The average tuition cost for competing institutions is above $3,000.
The University will seek authority from the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents at its March meeting to increase designated tuition for A&M-Commerce.
A&M-Commerce is not alone in seeking an increase in designated tuition. Most state universities are looking at similar proposals.
Dr. Hal Langford, Dean of the College of Business and Technology at A&M-Commerce, spoke with KETR Tuesday regarding the proposed tuition increase. The complete interview with Dr. Langford is available on our website, by visiting ketr.org/podcasts.