DiNapoli pushes for out-of-state tuition hike
Many out-of-state students think that they pay enough for tuition at the University at Buffalo.
State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli thinks it’s nowhere near enough.
On Tuesday, DiNapoli announced that the State University of New York should charge out-of-state students nearly $8,500 more a semester so state taxpayers are not paying for these students to attend their public universities.
“SUNY schools are a great way for students to get a quality education, but New York taxpayers shouldn’t be subsidizing out-of-state students,” DiNapoli said. “Why should New York taxpayers foot the bill for a bargain education for students from New Jersey or California?”
DiNapoli’s report is based on statistics from a variety of schools across the country. He said that 29 public colleges in 19 different states, comparable to SUNY’s 34 campuses, charge an average of $21,333 for out-of-state students per semester. SUNY students pay $12,870 each semester for tuition – a difference of $8,463.
DiNapoli argued that by implementing an increase over four years totaling $8,463, SUNY would generate $340 million in additional revenue. In addition, if only $170 million was used to cut tuition for in-state students, New York would save around $1,000 in four years.
SUNY instituted a $2,260 raise in out-of-state tuition this semester.
Michael Ryan, Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education, personally believes that, based on statistics from this past year, the decision might not be a good one.
“This year, we saw a decrease in the yield of out-of-state undergraduate students that enrolled at UB,” Ryan said. “I haven’t seen or checked the comptroller’s financial analysis, but I would have misgivings if it is based on the assumption that out-of-state enrollment would remain steady, irrespective of the level of tuition.”
SUNY shares Ryan’s sentiments. In a statement, David Henahan, SUNY spokesman, stated that DiNapoli’s argument is wrong because in the past two budget years, SUNY was allocated only 10 percent and 20 percent, respectively, of tuition increase revenues.
“To achieve the goals set out by the comptroller, SUNY would need to keep all of the tuition increase,” Henahan said.
Henahan added that each school should have the option to implement an increase, if the decision is even considered.
In the report, UB, considered a “very competitive” university, was compared to the likes of Indiana State University, Rowan University, the University of Delaware, the University of South Carolina and the University of South Florida.
UB’s tuition of $12,870 was the lowest tuition compared to the five other schools. Indiana State University ranked the highest, with a $26,160 tuition cost per semester. The University of South Carolina was the closest school to UB in full-time enrollment, with 17,247 students to UB’s 17,780.
The University of South Carolina’s out-of-state tuition is $23,332 per semester – a $10,462 difference.
Gov. David Paterson gave his support to DiNapoli and backs the idea because of the $3 billion budget deficit that is plaguing New York state.
“We’re looking for additional revenue,” Paterson said. “If there are additional resources right now, they have to reduce the deficit.”
Paterson insisted that the research should be analyzed and reviewed so SUNY doesn’t lose any more funding when budget cuts come later this fall.
“SUNY has taken some of the hardest hits in reductions made so far,” Paterson said. “They are a resource. They harbor what is the next generation’s talent, knowledge and experience we’ll need in the new innovation economy.”
Other well-known universities incorporated in the report included the University of Connecticut, the University of Illinois, Ohio State University, the University of Pittsburgh and the University of North Carolina.
At the end of the day, DiNapoli believes that the increase would help many who need it the most – struggling New York families.
“New York families are struggling to make ends meet and put their kids through college,” DiNapoli said. “Tuition costs should be adjusted to bring tuition more in line with other states.”
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