An expected tuition increase is slated to hit eight southern universities, including Nicholls, if a policy set by the University of Louisiana System is implemented. According to the policy, Nicholls students would have a 3% increase in tuition, which is approximately $39 per student each semester.
The tuition increase, as stated by the ULS, would raise faculty salaries and help towards the overall improvement of the university. The definite use of the money would ultimately, however, be determined by the university’s president.
With the Board of Supervisors already approving the policy, the policy will now advance to the Board of Regents and then to the Joint Committee. If the policy is approved by both, the increase will go into effect in Summer 2003.
Sally Clausen, the system’s president, explained that the tuition increase is needed, in large part, to off-set the 1980s economic crisis that Louisiana never recovered from.
“We’ve been treated well in the last seven years by the governor and the legislature,” Clausen said, “but we’ve got to begin to make up for the cuts. When we get new money we get new expenses, which means new costs.”
Nicholls students will, of course, be the ones to feel the affects of the tuition increase and different views are had by many.
“I think it’s okay for the increase in tuition because schools do need improvements and new technology,” said Jerry Quick, x-ray technology junior from Houma. “Plus, it’s about time teachers get a pay increase.”
Some students, however, do not see the need for such an increase.
“I think it’s bull,” said Quinn Landry, mass communication junior from Luling. “I guess I’m still upset about the rec center fee because I feel money should go towards more important things like upgrading the MACO computers or something.”
According to Clausen, the eight southern universities in Louisiana pay $300 less than counterparts in other states, and some states are expecting as much as a 16% increase in their tuition.
“We don’t have much of a choice,” Clausen said. “Costs are rising and in order to keep quality and service up, we need money.”
A question that many students are concerned with is whether or not financial aid will compensate for the tuition increase.
“When tuition increases, budgets change,” said Amanda Fremin, assistant director of financial aid. “If it’s mandated by the Board of Regents or the Board of Supervisors and the legislature authorizes it, then TOPS (tuition oppurtunity program for students) will cover it.”
The office of student financial assistance has stated by definition “any change in the amount of tuition implemented after January, 1998 must have authorization of the legislature in order to be covered by TOPS.”
According to Clausen, many financial aids will help with the tuition increase but that does not guarantee that all will.