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WHAT’S AT STAKE
A possible tuition rise of 7.5 percent could leave students with empty pockets
BY ELIZABETH ENKE
STATESMAN STAFF WRITER
iISSUE: 78/23
Tuition is facing a threat of a major increase for the upcoming school year. Last year, tuition had an increase of 2.5 percent. For the 2008-2009 school year, it’s said to increase by 7.5 percent, according to Vice Chancellor of Finance and Operations Greg Fox. The Board of Regents will meet in April, and according to Fox, the tuition increase will be finalized at this time. “There is a risk that, between now and then, it could get worse,” said Fox. Fox also said with the tentative increase being anticipated, the university is trying to accommodate all of their students and families by having students fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Pertaining to UMD alone, there will be an automatic 2.5 percent decrease to any Minnesota family whose adjusted gross income (AGI) is less than $150,000 per year, said Fox. AGI is defined as all taxable income of an individual, minus specific deductions to income. Some forms of taxable income are wages, salaries, tips, etc. Specific deductions include health insurance, student loan interest deductions, tuition and fees deduction, etc. This is according to the official Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Web site (http://www.irs.gov/).
When first-year student Brianna Bieniek found out about the automatic decrease that will be given to students who are eligible, she felt a little better about the idea of higher tuition. “It definitely is a good idea,” said Bieniek. “I’m sure my parents are going to want me to fill it out. It’ll be worth it.”
Third-year student Jeff Sbonik does not think he will benefit from the FAFSA proposal and is indifferent towards the increase of tuition. “It’s not going to make a difference. An increase is still an increase,” said Sbonik. “It sucks, but, I mean, you have to pay for school. It’s kind of like gas prices; you just have to pay them.” Decisions concerning tuition rates occur at the legislature and government level every year.
Fox believes that a college education is now being seen as more of a public good rather than a private, and tuition can have negative impact on a student’s decision to come to school. “If you have economic ability, you should pay for it,” said Fox. “I don’t subscribe to it, but it’s the situation we’re living with for sure.” Sbonik does not think that the increase will deter people from furthering their education. “I think if it was a larger increase, like 20 percent, it would deter more people,” said Sbonik. “The way they do it now, gradually, it’s kind of in a deceptive way.”
Bieniek, who has had to pay for all of her college expenses during her last year, still plans to attend UMD as tuition proceeds to climb. “I need to keep going with my college career,” noted Bieniek. “I’m still going to continue, even if it is increasing.”
Fox believes the university is doing its best, so that people of all economic backgrounds have the opportunity to come to UMD.
