Jul 23, 2009 7:49 pm US/Eastern
Tuition Hikes Possible As State Makes Budget Cuts
COLLEGE PARK, Md. (WJZ) ―
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Maryland university and college students prepare for the possibility of future tuition hikes as the state makes cut the university system's budget.
CBS
Maryland college students and professors are getting a real-life lesson in economics.
University leaders are scrambling to figure out how to deal with $40 million in budget cuts.
Gigi Barnett has more on the effect that the cuts are expected to take on the state's college students.
Students say the budget cut pinch will trickle down to them and it's coming at a time when trying to find a part-time job to help with tuition and other expenses is hard to do.
Having to worry about the state's financial situation provides a hard lesson in economics for Maryland's universities and colleges.
Deep budget cuts coupled with tuition which has remained low over the year's means something's got to give.
The university system is considering a tuition increase soon, it's something students haven't seen in years.
"We haven't raised tuition for four years. So tuition has been flat," says William Kirwan, chancellor, University System of Maryland.
Kirwan says colleges were able to plan ahead and safeguard their budgets this time.
He believes another round of cutbacks is on the way, possibly in the spring.
Students could soon see a higher tuition bill, fewer services, and fewer part-time instructors.
"When people leave, retire, take another job, we won't fill positions, so we'll be short handed," Kirwan adds.
"I'm hurting," says Mia Wilson.
The in state student believes the possible tuition hike will hurt her and students like her, as well as their colleges and universities.
Large universities like the state system's flagship campus the University of Maryland, College Park, may be hard hit.
Wilson fears students who can't pay the higher tuition may eventually drop out.
"A tuition increase at this point I don't really think would be a good idea, especially with the economy the way it is, for us to have to come out of our pockets with more money," adds Wilson.
In state college students already enjoy a low tuition compared to other flagship campuses nearby.
College Park students pay $8,053 a year, the University of Delaware charges students $8,540, and the University of Virginia charges $9,680.
Some students therefore understand why an increase in tuition might be needed.
"The university has to do what it needs to do to stay open and, despite the fact that we may have to pay a little bit more, it's what the university has to do to keep open, and keep running," said Dane Boucher, a student.
It's too late for tuition to be raised for the fall.
Students wouldn't see any increases until next semester.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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