FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2003
CONTACT: Ward Mullens
Ward.mullens@emich.edu
734.487.4400

EMU regents approve average tuition increase of 9.9 percent

YPSILANTI – The Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents approved an average tuition rate increase of 9.9 percent for 2003-2004 at its regular meeting June 17.

“Although the University has reduced costs by $8.5 million, including the elimination of 84 positions, the decrease in state appropriations enevitably lead to an increase in tuition and fees,” said Patrick Doyle, vice president for business and finance at EMU. “The University lost nearly $8.7 million, or 10 percent, of its general operating funds as a result of state budget cuts.”

The 2003-04 base tuition, including fees, for EMU resident undergraduates with 30 credit hours would be $5,627, an increase of $600 or 11.9 percent. Upper-level graduate courses would increase $24.25 per credit hour, from $246 to $270.25 (9.3 percent). Post-master’s programs would increase to $311.50 from $285.75, or $25.75 per credit hour (9.3 percent).

Non-resident undergraduate tuition would increase $41.10 per credit hour, from $426 to $467.10, an increase of 9.3 percent. Upper-level graduate courses for non-resident would increase $48.10, from $500 to $548.10, while post-master courses for non-residents would increase $51 per credit hour, from $567 to $618.

The Board also reduced or eliminated several fees. The $10 program adjustment fee and the $30 Presidential Scholarship Exam fee have been eliminated, while application fees for on-line undergraduate and graduate students decreased by $5.

The general fee will increase from $20 to $21. The registration fee and the technology fee remain the same, $80 ($40 per semester) and $10 (per credit hour) respectively.
All 15 state universities are expected to increase tuition rates. Michigan State University recently approved an increase of 9.9 percent, Oakland University approved a 9.91 percent increase. Both schools are provided more state funding per student than EMU.

“Despite the 9.9 average tuition increase, we expect to maintain our relative position and remain one of Michigan’s best educational values,” said Doyle. Depending upon what the other universities do, we expect that EMU will move from 10th to either 8th or 9th overall in terms of tuition price among the 15 state universities. EMU is the 11th lowest funded institution in the state.

Doyle said that half of the $3.2 million net increase in the general fund budget for EMU is student financial aid. Financial aid will increase $1.7 million, or 13 percent from the 2002-03.

“Currently, approximately 16 percent ($18.3 million) of all tuition and fee money is returned to students in some form of campus-based financial aid,” Doyle said. “EMU receives more than $42 million in non-loan (grants) state and financial aid. When combined, the $60 million and reflects more than 50 percent of all fees that are assessed.

“There is also another $60 million in low-interest federal loans that are available,” Doyle said.

Eastern Michigan University is a public comprehensive, metropolitan university that offers programs in the arts, sciences and professions. EMU prepares students with the intellectual skills and practical experiences to succeed in their careers and lives, and to be better citizens.

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