Tuition is rising in the South

Jun 22, 2011

Hard times call for new ways to generate revenue and that’s exactly what colleges all across the South are doing.

Just this week alone, the state of Louisiana’s House and Senate passed a $37.4 million tuition increase for their public colleges. This increase, combined an approved increase from 2008, will raise tuition from $5,764 to $6,350. Along with this increase, schools are expected to maintain specific enrollment and graduation rates.

This increase did not come without criticism, however. Questions over Governor Bobby Jindal’s reasoning for the tuition increase and veto to renew a 4 cent cigarette tax have left many labeling the Governor as “irresponsible” and “out of touch” with his constituents. Those in favor of the tuition hike argued their understanding of how such a decision is usually always unpopular but, in certain instances, necessary and vital to the success of higher education.

“What the state has done to some extent is hobbled higher education by just cutting the budgets since our education costs are much lower than southern regional average. For higher education to succeed we need to increase the way they can get money,” said Senator Elbert Guillory, D-Opelousas.

After receiving a 1.9% cut in state funding, Mississippi is also facing significant tuition hikes this year. The increases –which will range all the way up to 10% — will make up more than 57% of the general funds for Mississippi schools.

In other states, various increases have also occurred, such as 16% hikes for two-year colleges in Alabama and various rises in tuition at schools across Arkansas. A 7% tuition increase has also being requested on behalf of 11 of Florida’s public universities.

Some elected officials, however, are stepping up to help reduce the tuition hike levels in their states as they realize the negative impact that tuition increases may have upon the entry and graduation rates in their states.

One such example would be Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam. While his state’s college systems are considering raising tuition in order to counteract state budget cuts, the Governor is traveling to various meetings around the state to advocate on behalf of the state to take on more higher education costs in order to keep tuition rates down as a means to encourage more Tennesseans to attend college.

Read more:

Louisiana

Tuition Increases by 10 Percent

LA Lawmakers OK Community College Tuition Hike

Mississippi

More Tuition Hikes Ahead At Mississippi Universities

Alabama

Alabama A&M Trustees Vote to Raise Tuition 9%, Cut 33 Employees

Tuition Hike Again for Alabama Colleges

Florida

Florida In-State Tuition Creeping Up Again

Tennessee