Fayetteville State University Increases Tuition & Fees
L'Asia Brown
Issue date: 1/27/10 Section: News
The Fayetteville State University Board of Trustees voted last month to increase tuition and fees, along with several other charges, beginning with the 2010-2011 academic year. The undergraduate resident tuition rate will increase from $1,905.00 to $2,029.00 while the non-resident tuition rate increases from $12,248.00 to $12,493.00, equaling a 6.5% hike. Graduate rates have also been increased, with resident tuition jumping from $2,255.00 to $2,402.00 and non-resident rates increasing from $11,942.00 to $12,181.00, a 2% jump. "Well since the government increased the amount of Pell grants I think it shouldn't affect needy students as much as they think. If a student doesn't agree with the increased athletic fee they're probably just being selfish about getting a big refund check," said Kourren Tatum, a senior. A host of fees have also gone up, including the Student Activity fee which increases from $386.00 to $416.00. The Athletic fee jumps from $410.00 to $445.00, and the Education and Technology fee rises from $241.00 to $253.00.
Several increased fees were charges that do not apply to the entire student population, such as the Orientation Fee, which increases from $45.00 to $65.00 and only applies to first time freshmen. The vehicle registration fee is perhaps the most controversial of the rate increases jumping from $45.00 to $60.00. Students who reside on campus will notice an increase in meal plans. The 21 and 17 meal plans increase $80.00 while the 14 and 10 meal plans increase $70.00.
The Student Government Association hosted a fee increase forum. It sought to allow students a chance to question representatives from their respective departments about the increases. Students did not attend in high numbers. Although the Board of Trustees approved the athletic fee, the initial proposal of a $100.00 increase was quickly shot down. When Budget Officer Dr. Lawanda Miller briefed the students on Fayetteville State University's dire situation regarding expansion of athletic programs to include track & field and soccer, students quickly became sympathetic. "$35.00 is not a sufficient enough increase to add athletic programs to Fayetteville State University. It will only cover enough to keep up with travel and meal costs that naturally rise due to inflation," explained Ms. Miller. "Why can't we do a bake sale or something else to raise money?" asked Junior Courtney Taylor. "$100.00 sounds fine if it's going to help us do well in the CIAA," commented Porscha Forney, a sophomore.
Fayetteville State University is rapidly expanding. To keep up with inflation, facility maintenance, academic program expansion and the improvement of the overall package of quality to offer students, school leaders believe the tuition must steadily increase. Fayetteville State University is attempting to revamp its image, reel in higher quality students, and become more competitive. To improve itself overall, it will cost.
Several increased fees were charges that do not apply to the entire student population, such as the Orientation Fee, which increases from $45.00 to $65.00 and only applies to first time freshmen. The vehicle registration fee is perhaps the most controversial of the rate increases jumping from $45.00 to $60.00. Students who reside on campus will notice an increase in meal plans. The 21 and 17 meal plans increase $80.00 while the 14 and 10 meal plans increase $70.00.
The Student Government Association hosted a fee increase forum. It sought to allow students a chance to question representatives from their respective departments about the increases. Students did not attend in high numbers. Although the Board of Trustees approved the athletic fee, the initial proposal of a $100.00 increase was quickly shot down. When Budget Officer Dr. Lawanda Miller briefed the students on Fayetteville State University's dire situation regarding expansion of athletic programs to include track & field and soccer, students quickly became sympathetic. "$35.00 is not a sufficient enough increase to add athletic programs to Fayetteville State University. It will only cover enough to keep up with travel and meal costs that naturally rise due to inflation," explained Ms. Miller. "Why can't we do a bake sale or something else to raise money?" asked Junior Courtney Taylor. "$100.00 sounds fine if it's going to help us do well in the CIAA," commented Porscha Forney, a sophomore.
Fayetteville State University is rapidly expanding. To keep up with inflation, facility maintenance, academic program expansion and the improvement of the overall package of quality to offer students, school leaders believe the tuition must steadily increase. Fayetteville State University is attempting to revamp its image, reel in higher quality students, and become more competitive. To improve itself overall, it will cost.
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