Pittsburg State proposes tuition increase

  Wednesday, May 18, 2016 2:00 AM
  News

Pittsburg, KS

Pittsburg State University presented a proposal to the Kansas Board of Regents Wednesday that increases tuition $128 a semester for full-time undergraduate students paying in-state rates, beginning this fall.

“This is not a plan we bring forward lightly,” said PSU President Steve Scott. “It strikes a balance between our students’ need for high quality academics and the continued instability of state funding.”

Scott said that while several factors played into the proposed rate increase, including faculty promotions, and a changing enrollment mix, it was declining state support that caused the university the biggest budgetary challenge.  

In March, Pittsburg State experienced a $1.1 million cut due to state tax receipts falling below projections. On Wednesday, the governor announced additional cuts for FY 2017. For Pittsburg State, that amounts to just over $1 million.

“It makes it extremely difficult to budget for the future,” said Scott.

Scott told the board that even with the increase, Pittsburg State’s tuition rates are among the lowest in the region and in the MIAA. When compared to five similar U.S. universities that are considered peers, PSU’s 2016 tuition and fees are the lowest.

Last fall, full-time undergraduate students paying in-state rates paid $2,557 in tuition each semester. The proposal submitted Wednesday would bring that to $2,685, which is an increase of 5 percent over the previous year. Pittsburg State is one of the only universities in the state to offer full-time students a flat-rate tuition program, which keeps the rate the same regardless of the number of hours they take.

Even though Pittsburg State’s tuition rates remain among the lowest in the region and the MIAA, Scott emphasized the pressure the state’s uncertain financial future is placing upon the university.

“Neighboring states are increasing their investment in higher education which places us in a difficult competitive position,” said Scott. “Higher education remains the best economic investment Kansas can make. We will continue to actively advocate on behalf of our students in order to help our legislators understand the important role the regents’ system plays in the economic future of our state.”

He noted efforts the university has undertaken to reduce expenses including departmental staffing, reorganization, textbook offerings, sustainability efforts and technology upgrades.

“Our faculty and staff understand the financial pressures facing our students,” said Scott. “They are diligent in their efforts to ensure our campus operates efficiently. The fact that we are able to do this without sacrificing academic quality or student experience is a testament to their commitment.”

In spite of the state’s financial challenges, the university has great momentum on its side. The president cited several recent enhancements including the admission of the inaugural cohort into the university’s first doctoral program in nursing, the completion of an expanded student union and the university’s hosting of the NCAA Division II National Indoor Track and Field Championships.

“Pittsburg State University’s proactive approach to planning has placed it in a great position,” said Scott. “We have a clear pathway to prominence. The state’s continued cuts will make this a challenging year, but we will move forward.”

The second and final reading of the tuition proposal for all of the regents universities will be at the board’s regular monthly meeting in June.