UW System regents approve 5.5 percent tuition hike
MILWAUKEE - Tuitions throughout the University of Wisconsin System will rise 5.5 percent for the 2012-13 academic year.
The Board of Regents approved the proposal Thursday at the UW-Milwaukee campus. The measure passed by a vote of 17-1.
The increase applies at the system's 13 four-year colleges and 13 two-year campuses.
UW System President Kevin Reilly proposed the maximum increase, saying the rate hikes would help compensate for cuts in state aid.
Regent Charles Pruitt said a tuition hike was a reasonable alternative to cuts that would lead to larger classes and students needing an extra year to graduate. But Regent John Drew said he couldn't vote for a tuition increase considering flat how resident incomes in the state have remained.
The average annual increase at the four-year schools is about $400.Top officials in the University of Wisconsin System met to discuss a possible tuition increase and other issues.
Students expressed concern Thursday because things are already financially tough.
"I'm hoping after I get doctorate, it will pay for itself in the long run," expressed University of Wisconsin System student Jennifer Blando.
UW-Madison students would pay more than $10,000 annually in tuition and fees.
Students at UW-Milwaukee would have a tuition bill of about $9,000 each year.
"We need to make sure that we have the funds necessary to provide the courses they need to graduate on time, to keep the library open at the hours they need to study," David Giroux of the UW System told TODAY'S TMJ4's Nick Montes.
This is the sixth straight year that Reilly has recommended the maximum 5.5 percent tuition hike for in-state students.
"It sucks. It does," said new UW student Cassie Cesare. "I'm going to have to save up some money, but I signed up for FAFSA, too."
"I knew it was going to be expensive," said new UW student Marissa Oster.
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