Tuition Hikes (Price: layoffs, schools, universities)

[markg91359]

The Board of Regents just approved another huge tuition increase for the colleges and universities in this state. Students attending the U of U will expected to shell out another $400 a year bringing tuition to about $3600 per semester. This represents a 7.8% increase. Just this increase represent more in dollars than my ENTIRE tuition for a year in 1977. Prices have gone up for everything, but the consumer price index which measures inflation has gone up about 3 X since 1977. Tuition expenses have gone up 10 X. This cannot just be blamed on inflation.

We send our son to the U and this is starting to really grate on my nerves. Every year these people get a tuition hike of about 6% to 8%. We always hear the same excuses every year:

1. The Legislature is cutting our budget so we have to raise tuition.

2. We have X% more students we have to educate.

3. You wouldn't want anything other than "the best" up at the university.

I'm sorry. This just can't go on forever. These people are reaching the breaking point and eventually a bunch of students are simply going to have to pull out. They seem to have no comprehension for what it is like for a family trying to send a student to school.

I say its time to look at:

1. Program cuts.

2. Layoffs of non-essential personnel.

3. Eliminating programs that don't clear lead to post college employment.

Anyone have any ideas other than not sending our son to college?? Sigh

[sammy87]

It sucks that schools keep hiking tuition. My fiance and I are trying to move to SLC area next year when she's done witch school. I was looking at masters programs at the Uof U. Honestly, even out of state tuition is dirt cheap compared to tuition back east. I was pretty suprised to see that.

Also isn't Utah part of the Pac-10 now? That probaly has something to do with tuition hikes. New facilities to attract recruits. It's all a business and sports drive it.

[SportyandMisty]

$400 extra is a bargain for most students.