Students face 15 percent hike in tuition
Maryann Batlle
Issue date: 6/18/09 Section: News
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This brings tuition costs for in-state undergraduates to $4,642 per academic year based on a typical 15-credit-hour semester, compared to the national average of $6,585 at state universities. That is an increase of $589.
Out-of-state students will pay $19,901 for a two-semester year, an increase of $3,330.
Ciara Winslow, a sophomore majoring in psychology and political science, thinks the tuition increases are needed in Florida.
"In the real world, you get what you pay for. Tuition increases will help support universities like FGCU get better professors and funding," Winslow said.
The university is facing some challenges because of the state budget cuts to higher education.
At FGCU, building construction projects have come to a halt and degree programs that were scheduled to begin have been delayed because of a lack of funds. For instance, the health sciences building estimated to cost $25 million is on hold, as is certification of the engineering program.
A total of $6.9 billion in state funding was cut from the higher-education budget. Universities across the state have had turn to their students to help close the financial gap.
Originally, state legislators were planning on reducing the budget by 25 percent, but representatives for the university system were able to decrease that amount to 11 percent, according to Jennifer Goen, director of government relations.
Joe Shepard, vice president of finance, presented the budget to the board.
He explained the university had used $3.2 million of the university's reserves to cover payroll expenses.
Shepard said the university has tried to cut back in other areas to minimize the hit to its reserves.
For example, the university will be raising thermostats about five degrees to save money on utilities.
"Yes, it will get a little warmer," Shepard said.
The federal government will be assisting universities with stimulus package funds. FGCU is expected to receive up to $3.5 million, which will help keep the university out of the red in the 2010-11 school year, according to Shepard's budget report. Right now, Shepard projects a $1.3 million deficit in this upcoming academic year.
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