For Immediate Release
Contact: Matt Cookson, 603-862-0904 or Matt.cookson@usnh.edu

USNH Trustees Approve Budget

Cost of Attendance Increase is Modest

June 24, 2004 - Plymouth, NH -The cost of tuition for students attending the institutions of the University System of New Hampshire ( USNH ) will increase by 6.5 percent this fall under a budget approved today by the USNH Board of Trustees at their annual business meeting held at Plymouth State University . It marks the sixth consecutive year that USNH Trustees have managed to keep the level of tuition increases below the double-digit level.   For students attending the College for Lifelong Learning there will be no increase for the second consecutive year.

Newly elected Board Chairman Andrew Lietz , who has served on the Board's Financial Affairs Committee, said that the Trustees had worked hard to keep the tuition increase at single digits. "We are committed to maintaining access, quality and affordability while at the same time remaining sensitive to the fiscal environment in which we operate," said Lietz.

At the same time, Trustees voted to approve a $365M operating budget for "education and general" purposes in FY05, which represents a 4.7 percent increase above the current FY04 level.   The budget also includes a 3 percent state appropriations increase, to nearly $85.6M, as provided for in the biennial budget signed by Governor Benson last year.   When combined with activity from auxiliary (self-supporting) operations and sponsored grants and programs, the total USNH operating revenue and expenses will be $610M next year.

As a result of the 6.5 percent increase, tuition for in-state students at the University of New Hampshire will increase by $440, from $6,770 to $7,210.   The tuition at both Plymouth State University and Keene State College will rise $310, from $4,750 to $5,060.   The tuition for students of the College of Lifelong Learning , which was not increased, will remain at $182 per credit hour.

The tuition rate adjustments, combined with a rise in room, board and student fees, which vary from campus to campus (4.6-6.4%), will increase the total cost of attendance on residential campuses by 5.2-6.3% for in-state students.   The total cost of attendance for resident students attending the University of New Hampshire will be $15,838 in the fall of 2004.   The total cost at Plymouth State University will be $12,940, with in-state students paying $12,875 at Keene State College.

By contrast, many public university systems nationwide have already reported double-digit increases in the total cost of attendance for the coming year.   This follows an average national increase of 14.1 percent a year ago.   In-state students attending the institutions of the California University System, for example, will pay 14 percent more this fall. The total cost of attendance at the University of Arizona will increase by 13 percent and, in-state students at the University of Texas at Arlington will see their total cost increase by 19.8 percent.   Closer to home, students attending the University of Maine this fall will see their total costs increase by 7.2 percent.  

"At a time when institutions of public education are experiencing double digit increases nationwide, it is a credit to our presidents and their staffs that we have been able to hold the line on increases despite spiraling costs in such areas as health care," added Chairman Lietz.  

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