The Washington State University Board of Regents announced today they will consider a 16 percent increase in tuition rates for in-state undergraduate students at their next meeting.
This comes in the wake of a decision by lawmakers to transfer tuition setting authority from the legislature to regents at the state's public colleges.
If approved, tuition at WSU will go up to roughly $9,734 for the average undergrad for the 2011-2012 academic year.
WSU President Elson Floyd says the increase is needed to prevent even deeper cuts to the university's budget.
"Unfortunately, to maintain our programs in the face of these budget cuts, we do not have any other option. Even with the revenue from this increase, and with the expectation that we will admit the largest freshman class in our history in the fall, our university will be operating with fewer dollars," Floyd posted in his latest presidential blog.
Lawmakers cut the state appropriations to WSU by about $108 million, a nearly 26 percent reduction. When combined with previous cuts, WSU has seen their state appropriation slashed by more than 50 percent.
The board of Regents will meet next on June 6. They've asked for feedback. If you would like to share your comments with regents, click here.
