EDITORIAL: CMU should keep tuition hikes low as other universities toe the line
Editor's note: This editorial was edited to correct a mathematical error. The editorial board stands by the statements contained herein.
The university has a lot to consider as it finalizes its budget in time for the start of its new fiscal year, which begins July 1.
At the same time, each of the university’s 15 peers are doing the same, also coming out with proposed tuition increases. CMU’s budget and tuition rates will be set at the July 14 board of trustees meeting.
Most have walked a tightrope in approaching the 7.1 percent threshold between them and further cuts from the state budget; only Eastern Michigan University has increased by substantially less with 3.65 percent so far and Western Michigan University instituted the next lowest increase with 6.66 percent; Wayne State University has already said it requires a 7.1 increase to balance its budget.
This time of soaring rates presents a grand opportunity for CMU to buck the trend. This university could position itself well by avoiding a large tuition increase, or any at all.
University President George Ross has already said the tuition increase will be low, after noting a similarly modest 2.065 percent increase for the 2010-11 school year.
The university would be seen very positively, especially in contrast to many of its peers, if the tuition increase was moderate to nonexistent.
CMU has repeatedly said, while it considers other universities' rates as part of its decision making, the call is ultimately made independently. CMU should continue this trend and absolutely not use other universities’ increases to excuse a similarly high tuition bump.
Tuition has increased more than 200 percent since 2000-01, soaring from $108.15 per credit hour to $346 per credit hour 2010-11.
In that time, administrative pay has also seen increases and the university possesses unrestricted net assets equivalent to 82.18 percent of its budget; more than any of the other 15 public universities, as reported by the Detroit Free Press.
Officials have said it is difficult to adjust where those assets are allocated. However, for the benefit of students and their families, the university should wherever possible reconsider where that money goes; if any of it can be used to lessen the impact felt by students and their families, then it absolutely should be.
