As the national economy labors through a slump, one cost that seems to rise freely is the tuition expense for college and university students. To avoid excessive tuition increases in the future, Congressman Howard P. McKeon (R, CA) introduced a bill to congress on October 16, 2003 that would withhold federal funding from universities that raise their tuition fees more than twice the rate of inflation for three consecutive years.
According to the most recent survey by the College Board, tuition at the nation's public universities increased by 14 percent for the 2003-04-college year. UB's tuition is no exception, as the school instituted a tuition increase of $950 for in-state undergraduates and $2,000 for out-of-state undergraduates before the start of the Fall 2003 semester, according to the UB Student Response Web site, studentresponse.buffalo.edu/tuition/index.shtml.
If the bill passes, several hundred universities and colleges will be placed on a federal watch-list; if their tuition continued to increase, the colleges would no longer be eligible for federal grants.
SUNY Student Association Delegate and Speaker of the Student Senate Cheryl Rozario said annual tuition increases are unavoidable.
"A possible tuition hike is inevitable. Through the education price index, the tuition raises every year," said Rozario. "The SUNY SA looks at this relationship and takes into consideration what action should be carried out in terms of raising tuition."
Rozario added that when it comes to a tuition increase, UB has to choose between a lump sum increase every few years, or an annual incremental increase.
"The incremental tuition increase is by far the favorable choice," said Rozario.
The most recent tuition increase at UB was a lump sum increase.
Some students are in favor of the bill because they think any tuition hike, incremental or otherwise, is unacceptable.
"I think I pay too much as it is," said Jen Schmidt, a junior communication major. "I believe a massive tuition hike may keep people from going to college, regardless of how much it may be."
According to SUNY SA Delegate Dennis Febo, a lump sum increase would not be fair to all students.
"If the tuition continues to increase in lump sums rather than incrementally, certain students will be forced to pay more than students who graduate before the tuition increase," said Febo.
Some students think McKeon's bill is a good idea to keep the ever-rising price of tuition in check.
"People pay a lot to go to UB already, we shouldn't have to pay an excessive amount over the inflation rate," said Schmidt. "The bill sounds like it would be effective and give parents and students more opportunity to pay on an even basis."
Some students believe that the mandatory tuition increases place too much responsibility on the SUNY system to support the economy of New York State.
"It is my personal opinion that because of the shape the economy is in, New York State will rely on school's funds to get money from SUNY students," said Rozario.
Andrea Schrone, a senior child education major, said that tuition increases would not be horrendous, if the money is used for worthwhile enterprises
"It depends on what they use our money for," said Schrone. "If they use more of my money for something that can benefit the student body as a whole, then I am all for it."
Bob Batdorf, a junior international business major and member of the SA Senate, agreed.
"The state is asking for more money from the students and saying it is because of the slumped economy," said Batdorf. "Because they are taking our money, the tuition raises - incrementally or as a lump sum - it's still our money and should be going back into the school."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
