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A slice of campus life written by an MTU student

President Glenn Mroz talking with students.

Tuition increases announced: good news for non-Michigan residents?

One of the largest concerns for both parents and students in college is how to pay for furthering one’s education. To increase those concerns, the cost of tuition has been increasing each year at universities nation wide. And as of last week, Michigan Tech announced that tuition will increase yet again. However, and I never thought I would type these words, the tuition increase brings better news for non-resident students as they will be seeing a smaller tuition increase than resident students.

Last Monday, June 19, a Campus Forum took place to mainly discuss the balanced budget that would be proposed to the Board of Control. There were also a few main points that I found very interesting. First, a “revitalized” vision stating: “Michigan Tech will grow as a premier research university of international stature, delivering education, new knowledge, and innovation for the needs of our technological world.” I can see the glisten in each of your eyes as parents, knowing that your student is going to be part or already is a part of a university that will be bringing this innovation and knowledge to the world. 

The campus forum also talked about employee raises and maintained benefits, increased fundraising, diversity, and the infamous strategic plan. However, the big discussion took place around the announcement of an increase in tuition and mandatory fees. (If you are unfamiliar with how tuition and fees costs are broken down, please visit http://finaid.mtu.edu/finexpns.htm). For resident undergrads, tuition and fees will increase by 8.75%. For non-resident undergraduate students and graduate students, tuition will increase by 7%. These increases are expected to be around the average increases that public universities in the state of Michigan will be implementing. Room and board rates are expected to rise 7.3%.

In summary the campus forum announced that the 2006 fiscal year budget was balanced, enrollment for next year is looking at a slight increase, research activity has increased, fundraising efforts exceeded what was expected, and the 2007 fiscal year budget as recommended is balanced.

If you would like to see the entire campus forum presentation, please visit: http://www.mtu.edu/forum/061906.ppt.

After the campus forum took place, a Tech Topics article announced the University President, Dr. Glen Mroz, would be presenting a proposed balanced budget to the Board of Control on Thursday of last week.

Among what was to be discussed at the Board meeting was the announcement that the university is on track to open a childcare center for students and employees in 2007. I know that many students and employees with children were delighted to hear the news of an on-campus childcare facility when an article announced the decision in the Michigan Tech Lode last semester. And the best part? The university will be sharing a portion of the cost of childcare.

More optimistic news, under the proposed budget, graduate students would have a 3% increase in their minimum stipend. Michigan Tech would also increase its contribution to the cost of their health care premiums. University research awards are expected to rise by an increase of 29.3%. This is great news for students because it is reinforcing the main focus of research, the cornerstone behind the hands-on learning opportunities available to us.

If you would like to view the article in its entirety, please visit: http://www.admin.mtu.edu/urel/ttoday/previous.php?issue=20060620.

In another Tech Today article released after the Board of Control meeting, it was then announced that the Board approved the balanced budget and the issues discussed in the Campus Forum. The balanced budget is for the 2006-07 fiscal year, beginning July 1. This article can be found at http://www.admin.mtu.edu/urel/ttoday/previous.php?issue=20060623.

So with the inevitable increases in tuition, remember it is never too early to start saving for increases in the future. It is also never too late to look into financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Michigan Tech does offer great assistance for helping students pay for their college education.

Until next week,

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