KKBOR > News > 2003 > Release

June 26, 2003

Regents approve 2003-04 tuition rates for state universities

TOPEKA – The Kansas Board of Regents approved tuition rates for the 2003-2004 academic year for the six state universities it governs. In May, the Board received proposals, which were developed by each campus with input from students, faculty, alumni, and university staff.

"Decisions regarding tuition are always difficult for the Board," stated Board Chair Jack Wempe. "We must balance the need to maintain quality education with the desire to minimize the financial impact on students and their families. Our ultimate goal is to provide a better educational product for the dollars that students pay."

The Board approved increases for undergraduate resident students that ranged from 9.8 percent to 21.1 percent.

During fiscal year 2003, state universities were dealt a nearly 8 percent budget cut, equaling approximately $44 million. A ten-year trend indicates that the portion of the state budget devoted to higher education in Kansas has dropped from 16.3 percent to 11.8 percent, requiring the Board of Regents to find alternative ways to continue to fund state universities at a level the public has come to expect.

"As a parent of a college student, the impact of this decision hits very close to home," Board member Donna Shank commented. "These are state funded schools, yet each year the state’s contribution covers less and less of their overall operational expenses."

The tuition proposals, which were approved today, will be effective for the Fall 2003 semester (see attached table).

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dick Carter, Jr.
Director for External Relations
785-296-1486

February 11, 2004 12:33 PM