 "Photo: Courtesy Wayne State Board of Governors")
Michigan’s economic woes could mean trouble for Wayne State students. State budget cuts and a deficit will force WSU to raise its tuition rates and fees as soon as the fall semester.
Last year, the tuition increased 5.4 percent. It is not known how much the state cuts will affect WSU.
“I don’t think we know yet,” said Robert Kohrman, associate vice president of the Office of Budget, Planning and Analysis.
He said the university develops its budget based on the amount of money it receives from the state. The 2011 state budget expects to pass the legislature in June.
There will be tuition increases in September, Kohrman said.
WSU reported 11,298 students receiving scholarships and 10,608 students received loans as a part of their financial aid package.
“I hope I get more money from financial aid because if I don’t I’m gonna have to find more money to pay for this tuition, so it’s kind of hurtful,” said Isaac Gavin, a sophomore at Wayne State.
WSU offers competitive tuition compared to similar schools in Michigan. The rate is $3,475 a semester for full-time, in-state freshmen and sophomores.
The University of Michigan, for example, estimates its tuition rate for freshmen and sophomores at $5,735. Eastern Michigan University estimates its tuition at $3,721, while Michigan State University approximates its tuition at $4,363.
Wayne State’s tuition and fees have increased from 12.7 percent of Michigan median income in 2004 to 14.6 percent in 2006.
“I feel that this increase is an inevitable outcome of the current economic situation in Michigan,” said Konrad Maziarz, a WSU alumnus returning to graduate school in the fall.
“This will make it harder for students, including myself, to afford to go to college.
“The university needs to reassess what expenses are necessary for the school and begin to make the same changes that everyone else is being forced to make during these rough economic times.”
Tuition rates aren’t the sole reason Michigan students struggle to finance their education. The state cut the Michigan Promise scholarship last year, which provided up to $4,000 for qualifying Michigan students. WSU covered 800 students who lost their scholarship.
Wayne State President Jay Noren said that the replacement scholarship covered $1,000 anticipated from the state for qualified students had. About 1,400 WSU students were qualified to receive funds.
“I feel like it’s unfair because Michigan is already suffering,” said freshman Jamelia Collins. “Why make college students suffer? I have a scholarship, and if I have to take out any more loans, I may have to take classes at a community college.”
Gov. Jennifer Granholm called for restoring the Michigan Promise Scholarship. Her plan requires students receiving the scholarship to work in the state for at least a year after graduation.
2 comments
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