The Tennessee Board of Regents has approved a 7.5 percent tuition increase effective this fall for schools under its jurisdiction, including The University of Memphis.
The tuition increase, which applies to undergraduates, graduates and law school students, marks the third increase in three years for Tennessee’s public colleges and universities.
Last year, a record 15 percent increase was passed at public colleges and universities when funding was cut by $12 million. This year, the General Assembly passed a $9.5 billion budget that includes an additional $15 million for higher education.
But according to Mary Morgan, director of communications for TBR, the money given to higher education still leaves Tennessee short in comparison to its neighboring states.
“Education has been underfunded for 10 years in Tennessee,” Morgan said. “In comparison to our peers, we are $111 million behind the average Southern state. The money we have is not enough to keep pace with them.”
The increase is expected to inflate annual in-state tuition to $3,070, up $214 from $2,856 for the 2001-02 academic year. Out-of-state tuition will rise by $499, from $6,654 to $7,153.
In addition to the 7.5 percent increase, the Regents also approved a plan that will allow its schools to charge students more for “high-cost, high-demand or highly technical” programs.
That means a $20-per-credit hour increase for engineering students at The U of M. The U of M has also applied for a permit to allow it to apply the increase to all hours taken with no cap. An engineering student taking 15 hours would pay $20 for each credit-hour, paying an extra $300 in addition to higher tuition costs. However, the decision has not yet been made.
William Janna, associate dean for graduate studies and research in Herff College of Engineering, said the extra money is needed to replace equipment that is more than 20 years old, leaking, taped-up and outdated.
With equipment prices ranging from $1,500 to $30,000, Janna said the state was correct in labeling the department highly technological, giving it an opportunity to receive money to help the department regain credibility.
“We are a highly technological program and we need that money,” Janna said. “The state gave the department money in the mid-1980s, and then the money dried up.”
Janna added, “Something like this is necessary to keep updated, modern, bench-top type of equipment.”
Janna said after students get over the initial shock of the increase, they might enjoy the positive changes the department can make because of the money.
“Because it is so close to August, the students will be surprised,” Janna said. “But when a student walks in and sees equipment from the 1950s or not working, they are displeased. When new equipment starts to come in, I think they’ll be happy.”
Trapper Pressler, a junior in mechanical engineering, said the news of more money coming out of his pocket is demoralizing.
“It is a pain in the butt,” Pressler said. “You can’t really blame The University, but a lot of people will say it is the politicians’ fault.”
Pressler said the extra money will improve the department and give students more tools for the working world after graduation.
“The money will help with the equipment,” Pressler said. “Updated equipment will help with post-graduation. It won’t be so hard to adjust to a job if we (weren’t) just working with old equipment.”
Overall, Pressler said engineering students will be upset with paying a higher tuition.
“Students will see it as money out of their pockets. People already in financial trouble will definitely be hurt,” Pressler said.
Some University of Memphis students like Tequila Reeder are not happy about paying an extra $107 per semester.
“I’m mad about the tuition increase,” said Reeder, a pre-med biology major. “I will probably have to take out an another loan.”
With at least two more years of school left, Reeder said the expectation of more tuition is horrifying.
“Last year, I had to take out a loan for housing and tuition. Tuition is just too much,” Reed said. “I’m a sophomore. Hopefully they won’t have to go up on tuition anymore in the next couple of years.”
Scott Hayslett, a senior majoring in fashion design, said he will just have to adjust to the increase.
“I’m sure my loan will cover it, but if it does not, I have to do what I have to do,” Hayslett said.
Hayslett said the students should be suspicious of the spending in Nashville.
“They know what they are doing,” Hayslett said. “They could help better fund this state. The student body here doesn’t ask any questions about where the money is going. The students need to start getting involved.”
