LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - University of Kentucky students would face tuition increases of between 5 and 8 percent in the fall under a proposal from the school’s president.
The Lexington Herald-Leader (https://bit.ly/1kLwBRj) reports Eli Capilouto is proposing that in-state students pay 5 percent more in tuition next year and out-of-state students pay 8 percent more.
Capilouto said in an email sent campus-wide on Monday that the “modest” hike is to offset state budget cuts.
“With state funding cuts, our plan to raise compensation, and having to manage increases in fixed costs such as utilities and financial aid, we face nearly $40 million in additional funding needs for the coming year,” Capilouto said in the email message. The tuition increase will help fill the gap.
The Council of Postsecondary Education recently approved up to an 8 percent increase in tuition over the next two years.
A University of Louisville spokesman says that school is planning a 5 percent increase in the fall and a 3 percent increase the following year.
The newspaper says UK’s decision suggests a 3 percent increase for in-state students in 2015.
“While no numbers can diminish the fact that families are bearing more of the cost burden for higher education in the wake of declining state support, we can be proud that this university is keeping the needs of Kentuckians first,” Capilouto said.
The Board of Trustees is expected to approve the tuition increase when it meets on Friday.
The board’s student member, Roshan Palli, the student, said the president’s proposal is understandable.
“Obviously, I don’t want tuition increases for our students, but if it’s what leads to the best education, then it’s a fair compromise,” he said. “I think we as students are upset and we’ve done our best to reach out, but we didn’t see much effect on the General Assembly.”
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Information from: Lexington Herald-Leader, https://www.kentucky.com
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