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Office
of News and Information
November 10, 2003 |
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The University of Texas at Tyler is proposing modest increases in tuition to finance the hiring of new faculty and the creation of new student financial aid and graduation incentive programs, President Rodney H. Mabry announced. The proposal includes a freeze on required fees for one year starting in fall 2004, tuition-free semester for seniors who continue their education to the point of graduation and reduced tuition for designated courses taken on weekends and off-peak days. “Our goal is to make sure that all East Texans continue to have access to a quality UT Tyler education that will make extra earning power and a higher standard of living possible. Moderate tuition increases combined with significant increases in financial aid and incentives will help us to do that,” President Mabry said. Rapid growth in enrollment at UT Tyler combined with declining state support for operations caused the university to examine tuition flexibility options. The proposed increase for spring 2004 is $6 per semester credit hour, or an additional $72 for a typical undergraduate student taking 12 semester credit hours. Tuition would then increase $12 per semester credit hour in fall 2004, or an additional $144 for a typical undergraduate student taking 12 semester credit hours. This plan would increase the total cost of attendance for the typical student by only three percent. “Tuition represents only a small portion of the total cost of attendance. The typical undergraduate pays $6,890 per term when books, room and board, and transportation expenses are considered. Our tuition increase is modest when all other costs are factored in. At the same time, it will afford our students greater access to courses and preserve academic quality,” President Mabry said. The university used a broad, deliberative and consultative process, which included input from students at its Tyler, Longview and Palestine campuses, in determining this proposal. UT Tyler’s plan pledges revenue from these tuition increases will be committed to improving academic access by hiring additional faculty, adding course sections, encouraging student success and increasing the availability of financial aid. “The additional financial aid will be available for students in need, especially middle-income students and families who often fail to qualify for existing aid programs,” President Mabry added. The university, which recently had to refer students to area junior colleges because there simply weren’t enough course sections, faculty and classroom space, will add 15 new faculty members, seven teaching assistants and 120 additional course sections. The course sections will be added where there is the most need in an effort to maintain the low student-to-faculty ratio. UT Tyler will freeze required fees for one year beginning in fall 2004. The freeze will include only fees for student services, automated services, basic computer access, fine and performing arts, recreational facilities, records, intercollegiate athletics and international education. The free senior semester tuition award is an incentive program that will reduce the total cost of tuition in the senior year for many students encouraging them to graduate. Undergraduate students who meet certain requirements can earn up to 15 semester credit hours, or one term, tuition free, excluding fees. Graduate students also will be offered a free tuition incentive. Students who take advantage of the weekend course savings incentive can receive a refund of one-third of total tuition of the designated course taken on weekends or off-peak days. “Our goal with this proposed modest tuition increase is to sustain our students access to the legacy of quality instruction at UT Tyler without compromising its affordability,” said President Mabry. The entire tuition increase proposal can be viewed at www.uttyler.edu.
Contact person: Emily Battle, (903) 565-5604
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